The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed wide receiver Mike Evans to a two-year contract, keeping the Pro Bowl wideout in Florida just days shy of him hitting NFL free agency.
Evans, age 30, announced last week that he intended to test the open market. However, the Buccaneers relented in contract negotiations with a multi-year deal that will make him one of the highest-paid NFL players next season.
- Mike Evans stats (2023): 79 receptions, 1,255 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns
Related: Tampa Bay Buccaneers face competition from 3 NFL teams for Baker Mayfield
On Saturday, Evans’ agent told Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz that his client “wants to play with an elite quarterback” and would prioritize signing with a Super Bowl contender. Less than 72 hours later, with Baker Mayfield unsigned, Tampa Bay kept Evans off the open market.
As first reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Evans has agreed to terms on a two-year deal to remain with the Buccaneers ahead of NFL free agency. The new contract makes Evans the fourth highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, just behind Cooper Kupp ($26.7 million AAV).
- Mike Evans contract details: 2 years, $52 million with $35 million guaranteed
- $26 million average annual salary
Related:Â NFL insider reveals staggering cost for a Baker Mayfield contract extension
Evans, a first-round pick in 2014, has been the definition of consistency since entering the league. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Evans has recorded 10 consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards.
This past year, Evans had his most receiving yards since 2018 and he matched his yearly touchdown totals that he last reached with Tom Brady at quarterback from 2020-’21. The new contract should allow Evans to cash in one last time, as he’ll become a free agent again in 2026 as a 33-year-old receiver.
