The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were living in a reality where competition was going to heat up in order to re-sign wide receiver Mike Evans.
The longtime Bucs wide receiver was going to test free agency, and Tampa Bay wasn't guaranteed to get their guy back. However, a deal has been made. Evans is staying with the Bucs.
Evans made it clear he wasn't going to sign with just anyone. No, he's been in an interesting position because, first of all, he's continued playing at the highest level. Second, Evans is at the point in his career where he can be selective.
Just spoke with Mike Evans’ agent, @DerykGilmore, who says: “Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him — and be paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a key priority.”
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 2, 2024
Evans is… https://t.co/HUC7dmlIWd
Fortunately, the Bucs were able to get a deal done before Evans could sign with another team.
But, who did the Bucs have to beat out in order to keep Evans in Tampa?
1. Baltimore Ravens
It seems like we've been talking about the Ravens needing a no. 1 wide receiver for years now, and Lamar Jackson is still in the same position he's always been. Rashod Bateman hasn't worked out. Odell Beckham Jr. isn't the guy he once was. And, Zay Flowers is best suited as a WR2.
Baltimore would be a completely different offense if Jackson was throwing to Evans. They're already a run-heavy team, and they do it better than anybody in football. If you gave Jackson a legitimate threat on the outside like Evans, Baltimore would certainly take the next step.
For example, put Evans on that roster last year and maybe, just maybe, the AFC Championship Game turns out a bit differently. Evans is a true difference-maker, and for an offense without a dominant presence at wide receiver, Baltimore's season outcome could have been vastly different last season.