The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the only NFL team four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans has known in his nine-year career. However, the two sides seem to be at an impasse in contract negotiations, putting Evans’ future with the franchise in question. When asked about it, Evans made it clear he wants to focus on this season:
#Buccaneers star WR Mike Evans has set a saturday deadline for the team to sign him to a contract extension, or else he’ll be playing for a new team in 2024.
“Any player in my position would like to feel solidified, secured. If the deal is done or not, either way we’ll be okay… pic.twitter.com/bCDupRo3Jk
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 7, 2023
“If the deal is done or not, either way, we’ll be okay and I’m looking forward to having a great season this year,” said Evans.
Evans has given the Buccaneers a deadline of Saturday, Sept. 9 to sign him to a contract extension. If a deal is not agreed to by then, Evans will play out the final year of his contract and test free agency. Evans is the longest-tenured Buc on the roster after spending his first nine seasons with the team since they drafted him in 2014.
Through nine seasons, Evans has amassed 683 receptions for 10,425 receiving yards and 81 touchdowns. He also has the second-most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start an NFL career (9), having a chance to tie Jerry Rice for the record this season if he can make it a tenth straight season with 1,000-plus yards.
One of the most consistent wide receivers in the NFL on the field, Evans has also been a vital part of the Bucs organization. He has been voted as a team captain each of the past six seasons and established himself as a key voice in the team’s locker room.
Time is ticking and it remains to be seen whether or not Evans and the Buccaneers will reach an agreement before his deadline.
