Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans plans to test free agency for the first time in his career, league sources confirmed to The Athletic on Friday. The Buccaneers and Evans are in discussions, but he wants to explore his options.
This does not mean Evans’ time in Tampa Bay is over, according to sources, but he plans on hearing from all teams before making a decision.
Advertisement
Evans, a Super Bowl LV champion, started all 17 regular-season games for the Buccaneers last season, notching 1,255 receiving yards on 79 receptions and 13 receiving touchdowns. He was tied with Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill for the most touchdown receptions in the league last year.
The 30-year-old Evans remains highly productive as he comes off of his 10th consecutive 1,000-yard season. Tampa Bay would like to re-sign him, however, Evans should have his fair share of suitors, some of which could potentially give the five-time Pro Bowl selection a better shot at a Super Bowl ring. Evans’ decision to test free agency is about creating options for himself as he enters his 11th NFL season.
Evans has spent his entire career with the Buccaneers after being drafted with the No. 7 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Required reading
- By embracing change, Mike Evans has become a rare constant in Tampa Bay
- Buccaneers have no plans to offer Mike Evans contract extension at this time
(Photo: Julio Aguilar / Getty Images)