Winner: Mike Evans
The weekend started with Mike Evans self-imposed deadline for the Bucs to offer him a contract extension he approved of. It ended with him proving his worth by playing a major factor in the Bucs upset win over Minnesota.
Evans led the team in receptions, hauling in six passes for 66 yards and a key touchdown in the second quarter. It was the first touchdown of the game and helped break the ice for Baker Mayfield, who would use the moment to propel himself to heroric in the second half.
It took a minute for Evans and Mayfield to get on the same page, but when they did it was magical. Not only was it nice to see the connection work, but it's a good sign for Evans as he prepares to play one of the most important seasons of his career.
Mike Evans is HIM.
— AllThingsBucs (@AllThingsTBbucs) September 10, 2023
Pay the man. 🐐#GoBucs pic.twitter.com/71r0mMczZw
Evans wants to get paid, and while the Bucs want to keep him in Tampa Bay they can't afford to give him a blank check. Should he turn in a career year, Evans will be in line for a massive payday in March when his contract expires and he hits free agency.
There was already reportedly a ton of trade interest in Evans around the league after he gave the Bucs an ultimatum last week, which seems to be a precursor to what his market will be next winter. Evans ha said he wants to remain in Tampa Bay for the entirety of his career, but it sounds like he's done putting the team before his own security.
Evans is a future Hall of Famer and the best offensive player in franchise history. He's put in a decade of hard work, oftentimes thanklessly for teams that didn't deserve his talent, and he's earned the right to demand what he feels he's owed. There doesn't seem to be any ill-will between either side, and right now it's mutually beneficial for Evans to have the best season he's ever had.
It's a small sample size to start, but things seem to be off to a great start.