Mike Evans isn’t going anywhere.
Evans, who was set to become a free agent this offseason, has agreed to terms on a two-year contract that will keep him with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Evans’s deal with the Buccaneers is reportedly worth $52 million. The news was confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The 31-year-old Buccaneers wideout is coming off a stellar campaign in which he topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the 10th consecutive season—a record start for an NFL receiver’s career and one season away from tying the all-time mark of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, set by Jerry Rice. Evans also led the NFL with 13 touchdown catches in 2023, creating an effective tandem with quarterback Baker Mayfield.
In what was supposed to be a transitional year for the Buccaneers after the retirement of Tom Brady, Evans helped lead the team to an NFC South title and a postseason victory.
Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht recently expressed the importance and desire to keep Evans and Mayfield on the team. And the feeling seemingly was mutual with Evans.
“Mike just called me last night and said I want to be a BUC for Life,” agent Deryk Gilmore said, per ESPN’s Jenna Laine. “Myself and Darren Jones have worked hard to get this deal done
With Evans taken care of, the Buccaneers can now shift the focus to retaining Mayfield, who threw for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions this past season.