Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are deadlocked in talks about a contract extension, and for anyone worried the thorny situation could hang over the team all season, Evans’ agents clarified the issue Thursday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the wide receiver’s agents “have informed the Buccaneers organization that we will discontinue contract discussions as of September 9, 2023.”
The agents elaborated on the situation.
“We have been working on extending Mike’s career with the Bucs for over a year, and we want the fans to know this is not a tactic and the ball is in the owner’s court,” Evans’ agents said in a statement (via Schefter). “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.”
So the clock is ticking. Evans, 30, is in the final season of a five-year, $82 million contract. But the four-time Pro Bowl star’s 10th season in Tampa Bay could be his last.
It’s possible Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht will blink and give in to the contract demands. After all, he told The Athletic in mid-August he wants Evans to retire as a Buc.
“I can’t see Mike playing anywhere else,” Licht said. “I hope and think we can figure something out so he can retire a Buc. We want Mike to be here long term.”
It will take a new deal to make that a reality. Evans is reportedly seeking an extension in the neighborhood of the three-year, $80 million deal signed last year by Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp.
Evans is still playing at a high level, corralling 77 passes for 1,124 yards last season. But an extension in that range is a gamble for a receiver on the wrong side of 30.
If the Bucs truly want Evans to retire with the team, they better act fast. The clock is ticking.
The NFL world had plenty of opinions on the matter.
some guys just deserve to be Buccaneers for life and he's one of 'em. If we stick with Baker or go with Trask, or draft someone next year, they need a big, talented WR to throw to.
— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) September 1, 2023
I put together a list of teams that should/could be a great fit for Mike Evans:
1. All of them
— HOGS SUPER FAN (@SUPERHOGS) September 1, 2023
These situations so rarely work out for the player and fans. 😞
— Bee Cee (@BeeCee65401) September 1, 2023
Not worth what he wants? The dude has had a 1000 yard season every year he’s been in the league.
10,000+ career receiving yards, 15.3 yds per catch, and 81 touchdowns.
But sure, he’s not worth what he wants🤣
— BKM (@realBKM10) September 1, 2023
1st ballot HoF player let him do whatever he wants
— Chuck Bass (@ChuckBassFF) September 1, 2023
