Mike Evans working toward contract extension with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It sounds like Mike Evans wants to spend his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, if it’s at all possible. The soon-to-be 30-year-old receiver is working towards a third contract extension with the franchise, per the Tampa Bay Times.

Evans agreed to a five-year contract with the Bucs in 2018 and is entering the final year of that deal. He’s scheduled to make $13 million and count as $23.699 million against the salary cap.

While contract negotiations can sometimes be a burden during this time of year. But per the report, both sides are hopeful to get something done before the 2023 campaign kicks off.

“Mike loves Tampa,” Evans’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, told the Times. “I know the feeling is mutual. His production is the best of all the guys out there. … The Bucs’ ownership has to love that Mike isn’t even an off-the-field conversation but an on-the-field terror. I’ve got to think they would like to lock him up to a third deal.”

Evans set an NFL record, recording 1,000-yard receiving seasons in each of his first nine years in the league. He has some of the most trusted hands in the pros and has been a staple in the Buccaneers offense for a decade.

For his career, Evans has hauled in 683 receptions for 10,425 yards and 81 touchdowns. He’s a four-time Pro Bowl selection and owns one Super Bowl ring.

Which Bucs QB will be throwing passes to Mike Evans?

Tom Brady retired from the league following the 2022 campaign. That means the Bucs will have a new quarterback running the offense this season.

The competition brews between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask, quite the difference from Brady. If there’s a positive, though, either guy will have a trusted receiver in Evans to throw to when the season starts.

Former head coach Bruce Arians said last year’s team lacked a little fire offensively. He believes that’s what Mayfield brings to the team, while not dismissing Trask from the battle.

“A little fire. I think we needed a little bit of fire on offense,” Arians said of Mayfield, via Joe Bucs Fan. “But you gotta go back and look at Kyle Trask [on May 23]; He had a great end of practice. So it’s a nice battle. So it’s a nice battle. You got two young guys who I think are extremely talented and they’re doing a great job.”

Regardless of who takes the first snap, it might take some time for the Bucs offense to settle in with a new leader under center.