Rumored Brandon Aiyuk offer makes Mike Evans deal look like a bargain for Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht doesn't get enough credit.

He found a way to retain several core members of the team this offseason, including star wide receiver Mike Evans. The five-time Pro Bowler took a hometown discount to stay in Tampa Bay despite considering moves to the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans.

The Buccaneers signed Evans to a two-year extension worth $20.5 million annually, and it looks more of a bargain by the day.

Since then, Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, and Amon-Ra St. Brown have signed new deals worth over $30 million per year, with Jefferson earning a league-high $35 million annually.

Soon, Brandon Aiyuk could join them.

Mike Evans deal looks like an absolute bargain after latest Brandon Aiyuk rumor

Aiyuk's future with the San Francisco 49ers remains in doubt, with several rumors suggesting he could land a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, or New England Patriots. What's next for Aiyuk remains unclear, but details about a possible offer he received from the Patriots have emerged.

ESPN's Mike Reiss told 98.5 The Sports Hub that the Patriots offered Aiyuk a deal in the range of $32 million per year.

It would tie A.J. Brown for the second-highest wide receiver salary in the league.

The real winner here? Jason Licht. Evans is still one of the best receivers in the NFL and is coming off his record-setting 11th straight 1,000-yard season. Despite that, his salary ranks 18th at the position, and Aiyuk's incoming deal will likely push Evans down one more spot.

Aiyuk is four years younger than Evans, but Evans is still among the best players at his position. Since Aiyuk entered the league, he has put up 3,931 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. During the same span, Evans has 4,420 yards and 46 touchdowns.

It's rare for a star wide receiver to spend their entire career with one team. Aiyuk's uncertain future proves this.

Evans will almost certainly only play for one team, and the Buccaneers brought him back on a team-friendly contract.

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers news and rumors