Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have yet another big offseason ahead. But after surpassing expectations by not only winning the NFC South for the third year in a row but also reaching the Divisional Round, there’s even more pressure to perform heading into 2024.
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That’s where things get tricky, with Evans, Baker Mayfield, and Antoine Winfield Jr. set for free agency, and like everyone else, the Bucs only have one franchise tag available. Yet, there’s some hope that the Buccaneers may be able to work out contract extensions with some of their stars before free agency begins, and an upcoming deadline could spur action.
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Monday’s deadline could prompt Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sign Mike Evans now
According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can save $7.38 million if they re-sign Mike Evans to a contract extension before Monday. Otherwise, Evans’ void money kicks in, and he’ll be set for free agency.
Yet, with all sides seemingly wanting to extend their partnership, it’s possible the Bucs strike quickly before letting their five-time Pro Bowl wideout reach the open market.
Baker Mayfield has a similar situation arriving on Monday, but signing him before the Jan. 19 deadline only saves $1.725 million. The same goes for Antoine Winfield Jr., who would offer $1.2 million in savings if signed to a new contract before Monday.
It all adds up to $11 million if Bucs GM Jason Licht can reach a deal with all three, but pairing at least Mayfield and Evans together for now makes some sense, and as mentioned, there’s always the franchise tag for Winfield, if necessary.