]

BUCCANEERS FACE BIG DECISION: Need a replacement for $52 million star receiver in upcoming NFL Draft!

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a major decision looming regarding the future of star wide receiver Mike Evans.

Evans has been a key part of the Bucs for ten seasons. As he ages and contract considerations come into play, the front office may need to plan for a future without him. After signing a two-year, $52 million contract extension with the Buccaneers in March 2024, Evans will become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season.

Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine thinks that the Bucs should start looking towards the future and think about drafting Evans replacement.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is forced out of bounds by Washington Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

“The Bucs should look to re-sign him when that time comes,” Ballentine wrote. “He’s played his entire career in Tampa and it would feel wrong to see him in another jersey. But they might want to make a surprising move and draft a receiver earlier than expected despite extending (Chris) Godwin.”

Despite this, Evans still produces at a high level even at 32 years old and recently just tied Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s record of 11 consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards.

Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Tre Harris runs after a catch for a first down as Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Jordan Lovett (25) pursues. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

One option the Bucs could consider may be Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris, who Ballentine called “the premium big-bodied receiver in the class.” If the Buccaneers decide to wait until the later rounds, Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins could also be under consideration. Ballentine described Higgins as “an interesting project for them in later rounds.”

The priority at the moment is to keep Evans in Tampa. Having a backup plan in place will ensure a smooth transition when the time comes to move on from Evans as he looks toward retirement.

Related Posts

Buccaneers’ David Walker does something that has the NFL buzzing about the plane crash in India.

Buccaneers’ David Walker Shocks NFL With Humanitarian Action Related to Tragic Plane Crash in India While the American football world is focused on the NFL preseason, a…

Buffalo Bills’ Landon Jackson does something that has the NFL buzzing about the plane crash in India.

Landon Jackson – the rising young defensive end of the Buffalo Bills – has just made a touching gesture that has deeply touched the entire NFL community….

BREAKING: Travis Kelce loses 25 pounds after stressful NFL season amid criticism of weight gain.

Travis Kelce shed 25 pounds in preparation for the forthcoming 2025-26 NFL season after he was dragged for his “dad bod.” ESPN personality Jeremy Fowler revealed that…

UPDATE: Should the Buccaneers erect a statue to honor Tom Brady after his legendary legacy?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have never had a player quite like Tom Brady. The franchise, once defined by mediocrity and missed playoff chances, was transformed the moment Brady signed…

BREAKING: 2 Buffalo Bills at risk of cuts after 2025 training camp.

The Buffalo Bills are once again aiming high in 2025. They have a roster built to contend and a franchise quarterback locked in for the long haul. However, with…

BREAKING: Rashee Rice dodges Chiefs’ biggest question as he heaps praise on the offense.

After failing to become the first team in NFL history to three-peat as Super Bowl champions last season, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to get…