After ten consecutive seasons topping 1,000 receiving yards, it’s fair to say Mike Evans is one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL. But now the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ five-time Pro Bowl receiver is set for free agency for the first time in his career.
Just days ahead of free agency begins, reports from Dianna Russini state Evans plans to test the open market this offseason. While the Bucs would like to retain Evans, he’s eager to see what being a free agent is like. Here are five ideal free agent fits for the 6-foot-5 former Super Bowl champion.
Related: Top NFL free agents 2024
New York Jets
Garrett Wilson gives Aaron Rodgers an impact receiver, but there’s a reason why rumors of the New York Jets trading for Davante Adams just won’t go away. The Jets still need more help at the receiver position, and Mike Evans is a perfect fit as a big red-zone target who, as mentioned, is extremely consistent. As a 30-year-old veteran looking to win now, the Jets could appeal to Evans, if he departs Tampa Bay.
Related: Mike Florio casts doubt on New York Jets’ ability to trade Zach Wilson
Houston Texans
As a Galveston, Texas native, both the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys have to hold some appeal to Mike Evans. Now that the Texans have a superstar QB in C.J. Stroud, Houston becomes a top destination for free agents and trade targets, and they could use more weapons on offense to go with Tank Dell and Nico Collins. Adding Evans would give the Texans one of the NFL’s best passing offenses, and the Texans have plenty of cap space to get aggressive.
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is coming off his second MVP award, yet there’s still a sense he needs more help at the receiver position. Odell Beckham is set for free agency, and Rashod Bateman hasn’t developed into a dominant player either. Zay Flowers looks like the future in Baltimore, but adding more size to go with Mark Andrews could help this passing attack take another step forward, and there’s no better big target available than Evans.
Dallas Cowboys
If Mike Evans is eager to test free agency, he could be swayed by a chance to play for his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. We know Jerry Jones won’t hesitate to spend for the right player, and Evans is as proven as they come. Michael Gallup hasn’t lived up to expectations since signing a five-year, $57 million contract, and the Cowboys haven’t been afraid to move on from expensive receivers in recent times. Swapping Gallup for Evans would be a big improvement, if the Cowboys can pull it off.
Related: NFL Combine Day 1 winners and losers from defensive linemen/linebacker drills
Kansas City Chiefs
Thanks to Tom Brady, Evans knows what it’s like to win a Super Bowl, and he’s also seen how much of an impact having an elite quarterback can make. While we’re not knocking Baker Mayfield, he’s not Patrick Mahomes. If Evans is curious about what else is out there, the chance to join a historic effort to threepeat in Kansas City has to be enticing.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the best team for Mike Evans
Let’s be honest. Evans would be a great fit for pretty much every team in the NFL. Players as reliable as Evans don’t come around often, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers realize that too. If the priority is to keep Baker Mayfield, and all signs suggest that’s the move, then the Bucs can’t afford to lose Evans in the same offseason, no matter what it costs.
Related: NFL QB rankings