If you were to rank the priorities for an NFL wide receiver, the top three in some order would probably be being paid a lot of money to play for a team with a good quarterback who is capable of winning a Super Bowl.
It’s probably not a surprise, then, that Deryk Gilmore, agent for five-time Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans, told NFL insider Jordan Schultz his client is prioritizing winning a Super Bowl and he “wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him—and be paid like a top wide receiver” going into free agency.
Jordan Schultz @Schultz_Report
Just spoke with Mike Evans’ agent, @DerykGilmore, who says: “Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him — and be paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a key priority.”
Evans is… https://t.co/HUC7dmlIWd
Unlike most of the top free agents, who are likely to receive the franchise tag from their current teams, Mike Evans is poised to actually hit the market to explore his options.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on Friday that Evans remains in talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers about a new contract, but he plans to test free agency and hear pitches from other teams before making a decision.
Aaron Wilson @AaronWilson_NFL
INDIANAPOLIS — Multiple #NFL sources anticipate an outstanding market for #Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans.
And the #Texans, who have good, young wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell, are not expected to pursue Evans during free agency @KPRC2 #NFLCombine2024
This will mark the first time since Evans entered the NFL in 2014 that he will be a free agent. The 30-year-old will likely be the most sought-after receiver on the open market, especially with Michael Pittman Jr. expected to receive the franchise tag from the Indianapolis Colts if the two sides can’t agree to a long-term extension.
The Buccaneers have a lot of key contributors they need to sign to new deals. Evans, Baker Mayfield and Antoine Winfield Jr. are all set to become free agents. Winfield is expected to be tagged if he doesn’t sign a long-term deal.
Bucs general manager Todd Licht and head coach Todd Bowles both strongly endorsed Mayfield as their quarterback this week at the NFL scouting combine.
Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald did note the New England Patriots, who are believed to be targeting a veteran capable of starting next season even though they will likely draft a quarterback at No. 3 overall, have some people in the organization who are “supporters” of Mayfield.
Per NFL Network’s Jeffri Chadiha, Evans is looking for a contract that will pay him $25 million per season. A deal like that would place him among the top-five highest-paid wide receivers by average annual salary.
Evans is coming off a season in which he tied for the NFL lead with 13 touchdown receptions and ranked ninth with 1,255 receiving yards. He has recorded at least 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 seasons.
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