Former NFL QB Forecasts Buccaneers’ $14,000,000 Mike Evans’ Future as September Deadline Knocks His Doorsteps

September 9th, 2023, is right around the corner. With no extension offers yet from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, should the NFL fans and analysts alike anticipate an impactful trade? Or will the legendary nine-time 1,000 receiving yards record holder become a free agent in 2024? 

Mike Evans has entered the last season of the five-year, $82.5 million contract extension he signed with his franchise team back in 2018. Given his exquisite performance and holding almost all of the franchise’s wide receiver titles and records, Evans seeks a revised extension. With a persistent negotiation deadlock between the two parties, Evans’ agent has officially released a statement that not only puts an immense amount of pressure on the team but also sheds considerable light on alternative measures. 

“Low-key” is the right key for Mike Evans

According to former NFL cornerback, Aqib Talib, who appeared on ‘Up & Adams’ hosted by Kay Adams, the 30-year-old wide receiver should choose to side with a “low-key team” that has the cap space to accommodate his average annual salary of $16,500,000. In the 2023 season, the four-time Pro Bowler is slated to earn $14.5 million, a ranking that places him in a tie for the 11th spot among all wide receivers in terms of earnings.

On being asked where would he go if he were Mike Evans, Talib said, “… I would go to a nice low-key team who could afford me most of all…I’d go to Detroit.” Detroit Lions with a salary cap expense of $19.53 million coupled with a great team comprised of seasoned players, rookies, and an effective quarterback, might look like a great spot for the legendary wide receiver. He could pair up with Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown and contribute significantly to the Lions’ offense.

“The ball is in the owner’s court” not the Buccaneers’

Playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, Mike Evans recorded his ninth 1,0000-yeard season with an impressive stat line compilation of 1,124 receiving yards, 77 receptions, and six touchdowns. 

In case the 30-year-old manages to hit the 1,000-yard milestone again this season, he would ascend to a level of wide receiver excellence consistency that only a select few have been able to achieve in NFL history. He would join the prestigious club of Jerry Rice and Randy Moss, becoming the third NFL player to complete at least 10 seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.

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With his contractual season coming to an end with the Buccaneers, Deryk Gilmore, Evans’ agent pointed out in his official statement that if there is no contract extension offered by the 9th of September 2023, “the ball is in the owner’s court” and alternative choices will be considered. 

“That said, we are giving the Bucs until the start of the regular season to make him a Buc for Life, and if that cannot happen, 100 percent of Mike’s focus will be on football and his future and where he can continue to make an impact,” stated Gilmore. Thus, if the “Buc for Life” offer is not coming through, there is a strong possibility of the wide receiver becoming a free agent in 2023 unless there is a trade looming over the horizon before the deadline is done. Which alternative do you think the star wide receiver will pick? Fans and analysts included shall find out shortly. 

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