The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and star wide receiver Mike Evans have agreed to a two-year, $52 million contract, his agent told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The deal comes with $35 million guaranteed, according to Schefter.
The Buccos snatch their star wideout off the market before he has a chance to talk to other teams as NFL free agency begins March 13.
Before free agency begins next week, the Buccaneers and five-time Pro-Bowl WR Mike Evans reached agreement on a two-year, $52 million that includes $35 million guaranteed, per his agent @DerykGilmore.
Evans now has a real chance to start and finish his career in Tampa as a Buc. pic.twitter.com/tj68Vk9YpG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2024
The 30-year-old receiver is coming off one of the best seasons of his storied career, catching a career-high 13 touchdowns and racking up 1,255 receiving yards. (RELATED: ZOOM: Texas Wide Receiver Breaks NFL Combine Record With Unbelievable 40-Yard Dash Time)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 21: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers plays against the Detroit Lions during a NFC Divisional Playoff game at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 24: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with his teammates after scoring his second touchdown reception of the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Raymond James Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints pose for a photo after the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Despite interest from multiple other teams, including the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, according to ESPN, Evans wanted to stay in Tampa.
“Mike just called me last night and said I want to be a Buc for life,” his agent told The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
From Mike Evans agent Deryk Gilmore:
“Mike just called me last night and said I want to be a BUC for Life. Myself and Darren Jones have worked hard to get this deal done”— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 4, 2024
The deal is a win-win for both sides. Evans, who probably could have gotten more years from someone else, still gets $35 million guaranteed. Tampa, for their part, get the guy who tied with Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill to lead the NFL in touchdowns in the 2023 season for $4 million less per year.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 15: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the NFC Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 19: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 21: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers embraces Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after throwing an interception against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Nic Antaya/Getty Images
They will also hope that Evans’ return will help coax quarterback Mayfield, who will become a free agent March 13, to come back to Tampa. Mayfield previously expressed his desire to keep playing with Evans.