NFL Free Agency 2024: Buccaneers Mulls Mike Evans Extension as 4 WRs Face Uncertain Futures With 10 Potential Destinations

Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might finally part ways. The WR’s contract with the team has come to an end. He is the most sought-after wide receiver in the league right now, along with Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr., Calvin Ridley, and Odell Beckham Jr. A common theme amongst these names is that they all are turning free agents this offseason.

It’s only fitting that we take some time to see what the future holds for this bunch of top-tier receivers. For now, teams like the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Pats, New York Giants, and the Jets are scouring free agency for a top-tier receiver.

Mike Evans and others navigate free agency 

Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to continue working together, but financial issues might prevent that. Evans’ cap is $23.6M, and the franchise tag might cost $28M, which could be too high for the Bucs. Despite his impressive performance this season, including 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns, Evans might not get a raise. The 31-YO is still an enormous threat, and a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars can give Evans a go. The Bucs would expect to finalize it this week, given that he is the engine running the team, and the franchise would not like to lose him. 

But the same can’t be said about Tee Higgins.

Tee Higgins dealt with injuries after Joe Burrow got injured. He played 12 games this season and had 5 TDs and 656 yards to show. He signed a four-year $8.6M deal with the Bengals, and the stint has ended. We know Higgins’ capabilities as a No. 1 or 2 receiver, but Ja’Marr Chase overshadows him right now. He might enjoy going out there and getting the spotlight on another team. If the Bengals fail to give Higgins a franchise tag, the Carolina Panthers or the Titans might seek him out.

OBJ and Calvin Ridley are other top receivers on the list who come with some complications.

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How Odell Beckham Jr. and Calvin Ridley became NFL’s anomaly

The thing about Odell Beckham Jr. is that he signed a one-year $15M deal with the Baltimore Ravens, and now he is 31. Though we cannot deny his credentials, many teams would not willingly pursue him because of the age factor. Also, he had a 565-yard in 14 games this season.

“To me, if there is anything I felt about myself – regardless of anybody’s opinion or anything like that – is that I know that I can still play football, and I know that I still have [stuff] in the tank,” said OBJ about his professional career. OBJ is moving in silence, and there isn’t much information on his next move.

Finally, we talk about Calvin Ridley, who gets an annual base salary of more than $11M. It’s second to Mike Evans’ $13M a year. After playing for the Jags for one year, he is set to be an FA from March after having a 1,000-yard, 8-TD season. Here’s the catch: if the Jags sign him again this year, they will have to give the Falcons a second-round pick as a part of their deal. If they don’t, they only give up a third round pick.

For now, it is speculated that he might land in the Chicago Bears instead of the New England Patriots.

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