With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers losing in the NFC Divisional Round, their season has come to an end. That means we're now at the beginning of a long offseason of speculation when it comes to Mike Evans' future.
Baker Mayfield has already stated publicly that he wants Evans back in 2024 and why wouldn't he? The two performed magic together on the field with Evans finishing his 2023 campaign with 79 catches for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns.
If Evans does end up departing Tampa to seek greener pastures elsewhere, what teams could make sense for him?
5. Carolina Panthers
This would be quite the kick in the teeth if Evans opted to leave Tampa for a hated division rival but the Panthers could make sense for the Bucs superstar. For one, they desperately need help at wide receiver. Their leading receiver last year was Adam Thielen, who will turn 34 years old this summer.
Secondly, the Panthers are just outside the top 10 when it comes to cap space so they could afford to steal Evans away from Tampa if they offered him enough dough. Fortunately, the Bucs have more cap space than Carolina so they could still try to pry him away if the Panthers do offer him a rich contract.
The Panthers are going to be desperate to find help at the wide receiver position since they don't have a first-round pick to address the position. They spent their top pick in the 2023 draft on Bryce Young, who had a miserable rookie season and having Evans out there would surely help Young improve in 2024 and beyond.
The Bucs don't want to see Mike Evans leave but seeing him wear those black and bright blue uniforms would be a stab in the heart.