One of the biggest questions for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this offseason, was answered just a few days ago.
Fans had been anxious to know what would happen with longtime Buccaneer wide receiver and future Hall of Famer, Mike Evans, as he prepared to enter free agency. Prior to last season, there was an ask by Evans to get a new deal done before Week 1, and it didn't happen.
Then, there was another deadline set for a deal to get done this offseason, and it appeared as though things weren't trending the right way. Alas, though, the two sides reached an agreement and Evans is sticking around on a 2-year extension worth $52 million.
Friday, Evans and the Bucs are hosting a press conference to discuss his new deal.
🎙️ 🔜 pic.twitter.com/8xejPE4obx
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) March 8, 2024
Fans can watch the Mike Evans press conference one of multiple ways
The Evans press conference is scheduled for noon ET on Friday, and fans can watch via the official team website or the Buccaneers' YouTube channel.
Evans has done everything he can to earn this new contract, and fans would have been quite distraught had he not returned. Last season, Evans put together his 10th season with over 1,000 receiving yards as he totaled 1,255. He also led the league with 13 receiving touchdowns, catching 79 passes altogether.
Now, the question is, with Evans under contract, are the Bucs able to bring back quarterback Baker Mayfield? One would assume that, if an Evans deal got done, that the team would bring back Mayfield as well. The two of them had an obvious connection last season and Evans was a catalyst for Mayfield resurrecting his career in 2023.
Mayfield ended up having a career year while throwing to Evans, totaling 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
With Evans back, and Chris Godwin still around, the Bucs could opt to run it back for another year with the same offensive core. Had Evans not re-signed, things could have looked a whole lot different for Tampa Bay's 2024 offseason outlook.
But, the legend sticks around, and fans should be thrilled.