The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a situation on their hands. Wide receiver Mike Evans wants a new contract, and he has given the Bucs a timeline to reach a new deal: Week 1.
Now, even though Evans has given the Bucs an ultimatum, he's still been the consummate professional. He recently stated,
"I want to be in camp and practice to help Baker get ready so we can win this year. I don't want to be a hold out and hurt our team."
It's good to know Evans is still acting in a classy manner, but if he does end up playing elsewhere next season, which teams could pluck him from free agency? There are five, in particular, that make a lot of sense. Not every one of these would allow Evans to be in contention for a Super Bowl, but they'd be able to give him the money, that's for sure.
1. New York Jets
This offseason, Aaron Rodgers said that he doesn't view this as a "one and done" or "one year" thing with the New York Jets. That gives me reason to believe he wants to be there for at least a couple of seasons.
Rodgers already has a young and emerging weapon in Garrett Wilson, but imagine if Mike Evans was lined up on the opposite side and Rodgers had two Pro Bowl caliber weapons at his disposal. Even further, Rodgers is at the point in his career where Tom Brady was, and guys might want to stick around in effort to win a title.
Dalvin Cook could stick around if he proves to be healthy and effective. Breece Hall will be further removed from injury. And of course, the defense is going to be a strong unit that's only on the rise. This team could be special with an addition like Evans on offense.
2. Carolina Panthers
This year, it's going to be all about getting Bryce Young some experience; getting his feet wet, if you will. Rookie quarterbacks rarely lead their teams to anything substantial that season, but instead it's going to be about development and learning for the no. 1 overall pick.
Carolina went out and drafted Jonathan Mingo, who could end up becoming the offense's number one target. Meanwhile, Adam Thielen will provide some veteran presence and a security blanket for the young passer. D.J. Chark is a fairly underrated weapon, too, but none of these guys compare to what Evans brings to the table.
The Panthers will have the cap space to bring in a big contract like Evans, so that won't be an issue. Evans would be the clear-cut number one, but he'd also be there to help mentor and bring along the youngster in Mingo.
Carolina's defense is somewhat underrated too, when they are healthy, so this team might not be far from competing within the NFC South if they landed a weapon like Evans. Think about the Panthers as a possible favorite from the perspective that Evans would also get to play his former team twice a year, going forward.
3. Chicago Bears
Next season, the Chicago Bears are going to have a ton of cap space to work with. Like this year, they're projected to have some of the most in all of football. Already, they brought in D.J. Moore to be their number one guy. But, next year, they have some interesting decisions to make.
Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool are both in the final year of their contracts, and at this point, one might believe Chicago will only bring one of them back. Or, maybe neither of them get re-signed if the team goes out and signs a weapon like Evans.
If you gave Justin Fields both Moore and Evans on the outside, plus an already-strong rushing attack and an emerging tight end in Cole Kmet, he could make the leap into superstardom if he doesn't do so already in 2023. Fields loves throwing the deep ball, and there aren't many guys better than going up and getting those passes than Moore and Evans -- and they'd be featured on the same offense.
The Bears would have the necessary funds to get a deal done, but would they make the move to go away from both Mooney and Claypool?
4. New York Giants
Since Brian Daboll took over the New York Giants, they have been a completely different football team. The offense hasn't been sexy, by any means. In fact, it has been far from it. But, Daniel Jones has become a winning quarterback that makes winning football plays.
No longer is Jones a severe liability for turning the football over, but a guy who has taken much better care of the ball and limited his turnovers in a noticeable way. Jones had the most consistent year of his career last season, and he did so without many weapons on offense. In fact, one could argue that his receiving core might have been the worst in football, considering all of the injuries and no-name players that emerged as targets.
If the Giants can get Saquon Barkley under a long-term contract and also secure a weapon like Evans, this offense could look much different. If Jones has been progressing this way, without much of a weaponry, imagine what he could do with Barkley, Darren Waller and Evans at his disposal.
5. Indianapolis Colts
Finally, we come to the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has some intriguing weapons to work with this year in Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. But, the run game is in question and the team might not have Jonathan Taylor around much longer. Not to mention, their likely no. 1 target, Pittman, is in the last year of his contract and may not be here next year either.
Richardson is a freak of nature with a monster arm, and he could absolutely use a guy like Evans to have as a threat down the sidelines. If both Pierce and Downs develop into substantial pieces, it's not crazy to think that adding Evans would give Richardson a very, very strong trio at wide receiver.
Now, the Colts aren't exactly the perfect landing spot for any big name player right now with the way Jim Irsay has handled the Taylor situation. But, if he was willing to pay Evans top dollar, most would assume that Evans would have no problem taking the deal.