The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and wide receiver Mike Evans were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension, which means that the five-time Pro Bowler is set to become a free agent. Evans has been consistently impressive, never finishing a season with less than 1,000 receiving yards. His streak of 10 consecutive years with 1,000-yard output is just one year away from tying Jerry Rice’s record.
In a league filled with teams in need of receivers, here are seven teams that could potentially acquire Evans in free agency this summer. All salary cap information is provided by OverTheCap.
2 / 9
Current available salary cap: $32.1 million (11th)
Current rostered receivers: Chris Godwin, Russell Gage, Trey Palmer
The most suitable destination for Evans would likely be his current team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran player has expressed his desire to stay in Tampa Bay and secure a contract extension. Even without the extension, Evans would be a valuable asset for the Buccaneers. If the team plans to continue with Baker Mayfield as their quarterback, they need to provide him with as much support as possible. The departure of Dave Canales has already disrupted the team’s offensive infrastructure. Adding weapons for Mayfield could help the Buccaneers maintain their position atop the competitive NFC South division.
3 / 9
Available salary cap: $69.5 million (2nd)
Current rostered receivers: DeMario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton
The New England Patriots have a depleted offensive roster, lacking both a quarterback and solid tackles. Their top receivers and tight ends are all expected to enter free agency. The team has promising rookie receivers entering their second year, and they are likely to add more young receiving talent through the upcoming draft. Evans, with his Super Bowl experience and consistent performance, would be an ideal primary target for a young quarterback. He could also serve as a mentor to the team’s young receiver group.
4 / 9
Available salary cap: $73.6 million (1st)
Current rostered receivers: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Dyami Brown
Washington finds itself in a similar situation, albeit with slightly better overall circumstances. They also have offensive gaps, a potential rookie quarterback, and significant salary cap space. However, Washington already possesses a talented receiver in Terry McLaurin, who recently signed a contract extension. This means that any rookie quarterback drafted by the team will have the advantage of working with two elite receiving talents. The addition of Evans could lead to exciting plays for this duo.
5 / 9
Available salary cap: $54.6 million (7th)
Current rostered receivers: Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Robert Woods, John Metchie III
The Houston Texans have already found success with their young wide receiver picks, Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Collins has even played as a number two receiver, having spent his first two seasons behind Brandin Cooks. If the Texans sign Evans, it would further enhance their playoff potential and provide their quarterback, C.J. Stroud, with one of the best 11-personnel sets in the league.
6 / 9
Available salary cap: $58.9 million (6th)
Current rostered receivers: Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, Ashton Dulin, D.J. Montgomery
The Indianapolis Colts’ plans for the offseason regarding receivers will likely center around Michael Pittman Jr. Pittman is a highly talented receiver who had a strong season despite working mostly with a backup quarterback. Behind Pittman, the Colts have a receiver group with promise but lacking experience. If the Colts feel that Pittman’s contract demands are too high, they could shift their focus to signing Evans as a veteran leader.
7 / 9
Available salary cap: $41.7 million (9th)
Current rostered receivers: Michael Wilson, Robdale Moore, Zach Pascal, Andre Baccellia
The Arizona Cardinals have more pressing needs than receiver. Their defense was the worst in the league last season, and they lack playmakers. With Marquise Brown and Greg Dortch set to enter free agency, and the release of veteran tight end Zach Ertz, the Cardinals have a significant gap in their playmaking options. While they could potentially address this gap through the draft, signing Evans would provide immediate impact, allowing them to accumulate assets and potentially select a receiver later in the draft.
8 / 9
Available salary cap: $15.2 million (18th)
Current rostered receivers: Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The Kansas City Chiefs are in need of a reliable receiver. They led the league in dropped passes last season, and their current receivers, Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney, had inefficient seasons. However, the Chiefs may not have enough salary cap space to sign Evans. If they were to release Marquez Valdes-Scantling, they could free up some cap space. Evans might be willing to accept a lower salary to join a championship-contending team like the Chiefs, who have previously won a Super Bowl without a top-tier receiver.
9 / 9
According to the Source deadspin.com