The Tampa Bay Buccaneers must ensure the return of their star wide receiver to the team. Mike Evans presented them with an ultimatum earlier in the season when they failed to secure a contract extension, and there hasn’t been much change since then. According to a report from Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, it is highly unlikely that both parties will reach an agreement on an extension before today’s soft deadline. The Buccaneers faced a soft deadline today to finalize an extension with Pro Bowl WR Mike Evans, but sources indicate that both sides are far from reaching a deal. Tampa Bay will incur $7.4 million in dead money in 2024 if they fail to secure a deal today. Talks will continue, but… pic.twitter.com/fNJJFuRceH – Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 19, 2024. Schultz states that there is a significant gap in negotiations, and if a deal is not reached before time runs out, the team will face a financial burden of over $7 million. Considering this, Evans is likely to explore free agency unless there is a last-minute development. Evans has consistently surpassed 1,000 receiving yards every year since entering the league and has a genuine chance of becoming the greatest wide receiver in franchise history. He has achieved this feat with various quarterbacks, and apart from his last season with Baker Mayfield, he has often had to contend with subpar performances from that position. Evans consistently poses a physical mismatch, particularly in the end zone, and numerous teams would be eager to offer him a lucrative contract, even at this stage of his career. He has shown no signs of slowing down and has remained relatively healthy throughout his playing days. The Buccaneers simply cannot afford to lose their top playmaker, especially if they also aim to secure Baker Mayfield for the long term.
According to the Source thecoldwire.com