The Buccaneers plan to pick up Mike Evans fifth-year option.
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It goes without saying that Mike Evans has been all the Buccaneers have asked for and more. He has ascended to elite status rapidly, despite being the main target, and sometimes the only target. The plans are for him to be a Buc for a long time.
But first the team will extend his rookie contract, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times:
"The Bucs plan to lock up receiver Mike Evans for the long-term and he is eligible for a new contract after completing his third NFL season with a combined 3,578 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns. But that doesn’t mean a new deal is likely before 2017. In May, the Bucs will pick up Evans’ fifth-year option."
The fact that they aren’t giving him the big money right now shouldn’t alarm anyone. That’s not the norm. That says nothing about whether or not they want Evans here for a long time. They do. Nobody gets the big money after just three seasons.
What the Bucs are doing is setting it up so Evans can not test free agency after the 2017 season. With the option already picked up, he will still be under contract for the following year. He likely will see his first big payday come after the upcoming season. If he doesn’t he can then play out the string in 2018, sign long-term, test free agency, or be giving the franchise tag if they can’t come to a deal.
Don’t get too nervous, Evans will be here for the long haul. This is just the first step.
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The Bucs are getting the pieces in place. Is it time to play yet?