Five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, considered by many as the most sought-after free agent at his position, has decided to remain with his current team. Evans recently agreed to a two-year contract, as reported by CBS Sports’ lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones. The deal is valued at $52 million, with $35 million guaranteed, according to Evans’ agent Deryk Gilmore.
In expressing his commitment to staying with the Buccaneers, Evans’ agent stated, “Mike just called me last night and said I want to be a BUC for Life. Myself and Darren Jones have worked hard to get this deal done!” The new contract secures Evans an average annual salary of $26 million, making him the fourth-highest-paid wide receiver in the league. The top three spots are held by Tyreek Hill of the Dolphins ($30 million APY), Davante Adams of the Raiders ($28 million APY), and Cooper Kupp of the Rams ($26.7 million APY).
Notably, former NFL agent and CBS Sports contributor Joel Corry argues that Evans’ contract is the second-highest average per year in the league, considering the inflated back-end values of Hill’s and Adams’ deals. If Evans had entered the free-agent market, he would have garnered significant interest from at least a quarter of the league, including teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons.
Drafted seventh overall by Tampa Bay in the 2014 NFL Draft, Evans has exceeded expectations throughout his impressive 10-year career. He holds a unique record as the only player in NFL history to achieve 1,000 or more receiving yards in each of his first 10 seasons. Should he reach the 1,000-yard mark again in 2024, he will tie the legendary Jerry Rice for the longest streak of 1,000-yard receiving seasons in league history.
Evans stands as the Buccaneers’ all-time leader in receptions (762), receiving yards (11,680, the most in the NFL since 2014), and receiving touchdowns (94). Despite entering his 30s, he delivered one of his best seasons in 2023, co-leading the NFL with 13 receiving touchdowns while recording 79 catches and 1,255 receiving yards.
The Super Bowl LV champion’s decision to secure a deal before free agency solidifies his status as the NFL’s longest-tenured receiver with his current team. This move also enhances the Buccaneers’ chances of re-signing Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield.