It looks like Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans will not be hitting the open market when free agency opens on Wednesday March 13th.
Evans and the Bucs have agreed to a two-year contract extension for a reported $52 million. It’s likely that Evans could have gotten more money in free agency, but the five time pro bowler who has played his entire ten year career with the Bucs said his home is in Tampa and that’s where he wanted to play.
“When you play for one team for so long, you obviously think about what it would be like playing somewhere else…I have a lot of friends on other teams, and it was a cool dream, but Tampa is my home, and it’s where I’ve always wanted to be”
Evans is the first receiver in NFL history to record at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first ten seasons. Evans is also the Bucs franchise leader in receptions (762), receiving yards (11,680) and touchdowns (94).
With Evans now signed to a two-year extension the focus now turns to trying to sign quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is scheduled to become a free agent.
Mayfield had a career year last season in passing yards (4,044) and touchdown (28). Mayfield led the Bucs to the playoffs, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card round, before losing to the Detroit Lions in the divisional round on the road.
Evans has been outspoken in regards to his belief that the team should sign Mayfield to an extension.
“Me and Baker played one season together. I feel like we can build on what we did last year. Hopefully we get him back,” Evans said. “He’s a hell of a player. I appreciate him. They’re going to handle their process, and I trust Jason and the front office no matter what happens.”
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