Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans have experienced an emotional roller coaster this offseason, with Chris Godwin’s future looking dicey before the receiver signed a new three-year deal.
But we could be the bearers of bad news.
With Godwin’s future secured, fellow receiver Mike Evans and his future might not be as clear.
Set to be a free agent after the 2025 season, Evans, who will only be 32 years old, will likely still command a decent salary, and if we imagine that he again hits 1,000 receiving yards, the lineup for his services will be quite long.
For ESPN, in listing stars who are coming out of contract, Evans will have plenty of options if he decides to test the market.
“The 2014 first-round pick has been the model of consistency. Evans has produced more than 1,000 receiving yards in all 10 of his pro seasons with Tampa Bay, while scoring double-digit touchdowns in four of his past five seasons,” ESPN writes. “Evans will turn 32 this August, but he’ll have suitors if he hits free agency.”
Before we dig into this idea that will send shockwaves through the Bucs fan base … we sort of wonder if triggering this sort of rumor isn’t rather premature.
Having said that …
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13).
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Godwin loves the franchise, and we are fairly sure that Evans does as well.
While not likely to command the same contract as Godwin’s three-year, $66 million deal, Evans, who will still be able to play at a reasonably high level, would be looking at something a little less than his two-year, $41 million deal he signed in 2024.
Still, with the Buccaneers going through Godwin’s contract saga, to now have Evans coming down the pipeline 12 months later, we imagine that general manager Jason Licht would have had one eye on that in Godwin’s negotiations.
Will 2025 be Evans’ Buccaneers’ farewell tour? We’re skeptical, but the NFL is a never-say-never business.
