Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans will test free agency

After a decade with the Bucs, wide receiver Mike Evans is exploring the possibility of joining another team. Despite ongoing negotiations with Tampa Bay, Evans, aged 30, will delay signing a contract until he explores free agency for the first time in his career, as confirmed by the Tampa Bay Times.

The Bucs’ top receiver entertained contract extension talks before the 2023 season but halted discussions just before the regular-season opener on September 10, according to Bucs general manager Jason Licht. The team’s deadline for re-signing Evans is no longer March 13 at 4 p.m. With the new league year beginning, Evans can begin negotiating and potentially reach an agreement with any team as early as March 11.

Evans, a five-time Pro Bowler, is fresh off a stellar season with 1,255 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, tying Tyreek Hill for the most in the NFL. Drafted seventh overall out of Texas A&M in 2014, Evans has spent his entire career with the Bucs since signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract in 2018.

He is reportedly seeking a contract averaging around $25 million per year, comparable to Davante Adams’ recent deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.