There may not be a more consistent NFL wide receiver than Mike Evans. Only one other player (Jerry Rice) in league history has recorded 1,000-yard seasons in 10 consecutive years like Evans has. For every year he’s been in the NFL, he has a 1,000-yard season to show for it.
But now Evans, at the age of 30, is set for free agency after leading the NFL with a new career-high 13 touchdown receptions. He’s shown no signs of slowing down, which should put the 6-foot-5 receiver in a strong position to earn a big raise.
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Mike Evans set to become one of NFL’s highest-paid receivers
A quick look at the top free agents available shows Mike Evans is one of the best receivers on the market, that is, if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers don’t sign their longtime star to an extension first. There appears to be a mutual interest in extending their partnership, but as they say, money talks, and the Bucs will also likely look to extend Baker Mayfield after leading them back to the playoffs too.
But that doesn’t mean discussions with Evans have to be impacted, as it’s up to the Buccaneers how they structure the contracts of Mayfield and his top receiver. Yet, that could depend on the ever-increasing contract demands of a player like Evans’ caliber.
According to Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, league sources anticipate Evans commanding something like $25-30 million annually in his next contract. If so, this would place Evans as one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
With so many teams seeking a No. 1 wideout like Evans, he shouldn’t have any trouble finding a contract to his liking, but expectations are that he’ll remain in Tampa Bay as they too have a great need for playmakers.