It's the beginning of an important offseason for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with no shortage of questions that need to be answered.
Near the top of the list is what the future holds for Mike Evans, which is a twofold question. While he seems to have a bit more left in the tank than someone like Lavonte David, retirement has been something gently humming in the background of everything Evans has done the last few years. It seems likely he'll return for another season, but that triggers the next thing: Evans is set to become a free agent, and given his status as one of the most reliable receivers in the league, he will have suitors if he hits the open market.
PFF's Mason Cameron went over some of the best landing spots for top free agents this offseason and went with a place other than Tampa for Mike Evans. Instead of re-signing with the Bucs, Cameron envisions a world in which the future Hall of Famer spends the next -- and likely final -- chapter of his career with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
Taking our hurt feelings out of the equation, it's a move that does make sense in the way that it's laid out:
"The Bills' lack of quality depth at outside receiver limited their offensive output, particularly when injuries mounted late in the year. Add in their limited capability to stretch the field vertically – recording the sixth fewest receptions on throws of 20 or more yards – and Evans profiles as a strong upgrade to Josh Allen’s core of weapons," Cameron wrote.
Mike Evans leaving the Buccaneers in free agency doesn't make a ton of sense
As much sense as it makes to connect Evans to a team like the Bills on paper, the likeliest outcome is that Evans returns to Tampa Bay if he decides to continue his career. Evans hasn't been shy about how important it is to him that he spends his entire career with one team, and it's hard to see him bailing on that at the last minute to chase a Super Bowl ring somewhere else.
For as much anxiety and angst as there is among fans this offseason, the Bucs are just a few smart moves away from being real contenders. Tampa Bay might not be the best team in the league right now, but Evans has as good a shot to win a title with the Bucs as he does with most other places he could sign.
Then again, we can't take Evans' loyalty for granted. For as much sense as it makes for him to stay, it's ultimately up to him what he feels is best for his career.
Bucs fans almost learned this the hard way two years ago when Evans nearly hit the legal tampering period without a deal in place. It's since been confirmed that teams like the Chiefs and Texans would have tossed lucrative offers his way to lure him away from Tampa Bay, a reality we thankfully didn't have to live through.
We won't know for sure what Evans is thinking until we get closer to free agency opening in March, and this certainly won't be the last time we hear him connected to another team. Anything can happen, but it still feels like No. 13 playing his 13th season in the league will happen in a Bucs uniform and not somewhere else.