Mike Evans: Three potential landing spots for the star receiver
After Mike Evans’ agent set a deadline on negotiating a new contract for the Buccaneers star receiver, there is plenty of speculation on his future.
Entering the final year of his contract, Evans is seeking a new deal to secure his future, but it is now looking increasing unlikely that the money he’s seeking will come from Tampa Bay.
After being drafted in 2014, the 30-year-old has recorded 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his nine seasons, the longest active streak in the NFL and tied for the second-longest such streak all-time (Jerry Rice is top with 11 straight seasons).
With the Bucs likely entering a rebuilding phase after the departure of Tom Brady this offseason, it is perhaps unsurprising that they are not looking to pay Evans into his mid-30s, and seemingly leaning towards moving him on. Here are three possible trade partners who could be interested in bringing Evans to their club:
New York Jets
The Jets have moved firmly into the tier of Super Bowl contenders following their trade for Aaron Rodgers and subsequent roster building this summer. New York haven’t been shy about adding big-name players to the team, and with Evans already a name mentioned as a potential target, this seems a possible destination.
Having already thrived playing alongside Tom Brady in his career, I’m sure Evans would be interested in developing a chemistry with Rodgers, while also forming a formidable partnership with the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson.
New York has the resources and the reason to make this happen.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are keen and eager to build a roster that will help Deshaun Watson thrive in 2023, and with the lack of quality in their receiving corps outside of Amari Cooper, adding someone with the experience and quality of Evans would do the side a world of good.
The addition of Evans would certainly help Watson, Cooper and even Nick Chubb, who has put up some incredible numbers in recent years despite not having much support around him.
New England Patriots
Having failed in a pursuit for DeAndre Hopkins earlier this offseason, the Patriots certainly have the need and interest for a quality receiver to help their passing game in 2023.
Despite the addition of JuJu Smith-Schuster this summer, New England’s receiver room looks the weakest in the league at the moment. But with someone like Evans, they’ll be able to push the ball down the field more frequently and help Mac Jones to get back on track.
