Report: Bucs “Have No Plans” To Offer Mike Evans A Contract In Coming Days
September 8th, 2023
Update.
A week ago, Mike Evans’ camp issued an ultimatum to the Bucs.
Evans’ camp set a deadline of tomorrow, Saturday, as a last chance to keep Evans with Tampa Bay after this season until negotiations can resume in January or February. Per Diana Russini of The Athletic, the Bucs plan to let the clock run out.
She reported the Bucs have no plans to offer Evans a contract by tomorrow. No additional details were provided.
Joe hopes reason prevails, meaning Evans listens to the Bucs if they offer him a new deal later this year or before the free agency dinner bell rings in March.
Of course, the Bucs can always slap the 2024 franchise tag on Evans after the season. That surely would get him talking.
September 8th, 2023 at 3:42 pm
Deadlines mean nothing if you don’t stick to them.
He will be tagged or hit the free market.
I hope he doesn’t waste focus during the year towards any further negotiations. Just ball.
September 8th, 2023 at 3:43 pm
Why do that pouting like a child they don’t have to simple
White didn’t get one
Shut up and play
September 8th, 2023 at 3:44 pm
Sorry folks….I love Mike Evans…..great player, great Buc…..but there is no way Licht can be bullied into negotiating. By laying out a deadline, the Evans camp needs to put up or shut up.
He has a contract and should play. Someone has made a big mistake her and I don’t think it was the Bucs.
September 8th, 2023 at 3:44 pm
at 27million, he isnt getting tagged
September 8th, 2023 at 3:44 pm
He will eventually get his due. Be patient.
September 8th, 2023 at 3:49 pm
Seems Evan’s posse did not chat with White’s posse…
September 8th, 2023 at 3:52 pm
The Bucs hold all the cards. Can you say Franchise Tag
September 8th, 2023 at 3:54 pm
Joe wrote:
“Evans’ camp set a deadline of tomorrow, Saturday, as the last chance to keep Evans in Tampa Bay for the foreseeable future.”
That is simply not true. What Evan’s agent actually said was that contract extension talks would only continue until Saturday the 9th before the Week 1 game, not that Evans could not be “kept” in Tampa Bay after that date. He clarified in later remarks that serious contract negotiations while the season is being played would be a distraction to both Mike and to the team. Which is true.
Totally different than the spin than Joe put on it here, along with other melodramatic media reports designed for click bait, not the truth.
September 8th, 2023 at 3:55 pm
This was never going to happen.
September 8th, 2023 at 3:59 pm
Statement from Mike Evans – “No. Like I said, I’m blessed, man. I’ve been blessed to play this game for a really long time. [I have] made a lot of plays, made a lot of money…it’s not even about that. I’m just happy to be in the position I’m in.”
I repeat – “Made a lot of money – it’s not even about that”
LOL!!!!
Oh really?
Then why doesn’t Mike Evans just play for the NFL league minimum salary?
Why is his agent threatening the Bucs and demanding a new contract worth @ $25 MILLION per season?
If it’s “not about the money” – Then what in the heck is it about?
Sorry folks but this is such BS.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Good for Licht. Evans should fire his agent.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:01 pm
Mike go to KC, Mahomes could use you
September 8th, 2023 at 4:03 pm
Next year may be a new coach and rebuild from ground up. If HC/DC has a winning season they will pay up. If he flops Evans will move on and the new coach will get a couple years to build the new improved Bucs to contend for the Super Bowl.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:03 pm
Bad look right before the season opener. White, Evans and Vaughn all showing it’s about themselves and not the team. I appreciate ME but this is a league that looks to the future and Evans is getting long in the tooth. His best days are behind him not ahead of him. Also, he’s always good for a clutch drop or two.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:06 pm
It’s really sick how fast some fans of this team have turned on Mike Evans just because he wants a contract.
Show respect to the dude who’s literally been the best offensive player in the history of this franchise and has always put the team before himself.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:07 pm
Honestly, I wouldn’t be shocked if the team wants to see how the team starts out before doing anything.
From the Bucs standpoint, if they’re 1-4, do you just go ahead and trade Evans? Personally, I would not, I’d give Evans a new deal and trade Godwin if those were the only options.
But, something to keep in mind when talking trades. Fans of a team ALWAYS vastly overestimate the value of a player when talking about trades – and if the Bucs tried to trade Evans I think the most they’d get is probably a late 3rd. If that happened, fans would be rioting. However, if the Chiefs have another game or two like they did last night, could the Bucs wrangle a 1st out of them? I wouldn’t discount it.
That is part of the reason I think the Bucs want to keep their options open. Personally, I’d sign Evans and figure out the rest later. If you’re drafting at the top of the draft next year and getting a QB, I’d want Evans to be there for a couple of years at the beginning of his career.
In any case, said it before, but Mike is at his best when he’s playing mad. And if he’s mad, he’s going to have a heck of a season — assuming that garbage QB can get the ball to him.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:11 pm
Lowest Common Denominator Says:
It’s really sick how fast some fans of this team have turned on Mike Evans just because he wants a contract.
———-
It’s always hilarious how the biggest drama queens on the site are the ones pushing a bunch of fake drama about how much they now hate the player, call them a drama queen, and talk about how all this drama is going to destroy the team.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:11 pm
Yeah I don’t get it. It’s disappointing, because he’s my favorite player and I’d love for him to stay. We just don’t have the cap right now. Idk why he didn’t look at Whites situation and go “Hmmm if he can’t get it right now, why would I be able to?” I really don’t get the timing. I mean Godwin got taken care of even after an acl tear. Licht loves him, because he was his first ever pick, he won’t screw him over. Just weird, dumb timing.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:16 pm
@ lowest
If you like my last take you will love this one…
Mike Evans tried to blame his agent – to me this is a cowardly act.
“Yeah, my agent set the deadline, “I’m sure y’all read the statement.”
Gee Mike Evans – Who does your agent work for?
Sorry Bucco fans but this is lame AF.
Grow up Mike.
#1 – Anyone with a brain knows – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY.
#2 – Stop hiding behind your agent and giving lame excuses. The fans deserve better.
Is this guy one of our team captains?
Sad.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:17 pm
I guess they want to see how he performs.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:21 pm
And I agree with management. We can keep kicking the can down the road. Bucs are 2 drafts away from being loaded again.
Mike, we love you but play out your contract and see where the chips fall.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:23 pm
I don’t see the big deal. I think Evans handled this pretty well. New deal by Saturday or u will compete with the free market or franchise Tag prices. He isn’t holding out…he isn’t being a cancer. He is being a pros pro. The only way this could have been handled better on his part is by having his agent keep this out of the media. Now he is going to ball out and Tampa is going to pay tomorrow than what they would have today. Hoping he has a monster year.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:23 pm
It really makes no sense to cave to his demands. His best chance at a big pay day are with us after balling out.
I really just don’t like this idea the agent floated that Mike has basically been taken advantage of by the Glazers or something.
They made him a top 2 WR in pay when he got his last deal. He got paid at the top of the market, and the last few years he has not been playing like he is a top 3-5 WR. The Bucs have rewarded him handsomely and fairly. His deals to restructure to help us with Cap ultimately do not cost him $$.
I don’t like misguided narratives or trying to play on emotions the way I felt his agent did. This is a production business and the fans understand that. We are a lot more informed than I think teh agent realizes. Well a lot of us at least lol
September 8th, 2023 at 4:25 pm
And like what a dumb threat honestly. Are you saying if the Bucs offer you $50M a year you aren’t going to listen and still hit FA anyway because it came after your random deadline? Give me a break.
the whole thing is ridiculous to me
September 8th, 2023 at 4:28 pm
He’s willing to stay before 9/9 but after he absolutely will not consider it? I think he doesn’t want negotiations going on during the season. I can’t believe that if he has a great season and the Bucs offer him the moon that he would leave.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:32 pm
You trade Evans not Godwin.
He is 4yrs younger.
This is only if Trey Palmer balls out. Jarrett shows promise.
Palmer balls out then Evans becomes expendable.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:37 pm
Marine Buc … I’m surprised at your last take on this situation. It’s just negotiations; what folks SAY and what they DO rarely seem to coincide.
Negotiated in the Middle East years ago while in the military on various aspects of a number of exercises & operations we ran in that part of the world. I always found it disconcerting that you’d ask for something (like say aircraft landing rights or overflight rights) and their response would be ‘No Problem’.
When you heard those words, you knew you had a BIG problem. Just their way of side-stepping the issue. Always worked out in the end though.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:40 pm
Kinda think they should trade or low ball its really about the future imo business is business
September 8th, 2023 at 4:43 pm
hopefully Evans and his family doesnt have to apply for food stamps or need help paying the light bill next year…..
September 8th, 2023 at 4:44 pm
Well clearly something is spooking Evans into pushing a little to hard to get it done at such an in opportune time.
Unless, he wants to leave… I mean… what’s the deal?
You haven’t explained why it HAS TO BE “Right Now” Mike. So What’s Up?
September 8th, 2023 at 4:45 pm
G-Buc … Last year Mike’s production was way down (only 6 TDs), but that’s more of a reflection on our offense than on him. Two years ago he scored 14 TDs in 16 games played, and 3 years ago he scored 13 TDs in 16 games played. This year folks are saying he’s in the best shape of his life.
As the old saying goes, ‘That dog can hunt’. If you want to put food on the table, hang on to the hunting dog while he can still help you do that.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:48 pm
Love your take Lord C! I think you have had hit it out of the park. Let’s play football and see where the chips fall. Good take.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:51 pm
@ DR
#1 – I have NO problem with Mike Evans wanting a new contract. Hope he gets a new contract.
#2 – I do not appreciate the way it was handled – Making a public display one week before the 2023 season kicks off is not cool with me. Say what you will about D. White but at least he threw his trantrum before training camp.
#3 – Then he has the audacity to blame his agent and make an idiotic statement like “IT ISN’T ABOUT THE MONEY” – Give me a break. Any fool knows this is total BS.
#4 – Mike Evans was one of the highest paid receivers for several years. He is at the end of his contract. He needs to just stop with the tantrum tactics and play ball at a high level.
#5 – Keep in mind – this is one of our team captains doing this BS. One week before kickoff.
Sorry – I have been a huge Mike Evans fan but I will call him out when he is acting a fool.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:53 pm
Trade him, you’d be doing the Bucs and Mike Evans a big favor.
Though the division is weak, this team probably won’t win the division and certainly won’t win a playoff game. It’s rebuild time, time to trade for draft picks. Tally up the draft capital, draft well, and hope that a franchise-quality QB or other important, young rookie-scale asset falls to Tampa Bay.
If Evans wants a bigger paycheck, fine. Let him see if he can find one at his age. I don’t understand why folks side with management in professional sports, pro sports teams release players from contracts at the drop of a hat and the fan base accepts that, but a player who wants an escape clause is somehow greeted with derision and contempt.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:55 pm
I think most people on here are missing the point. Mike knows that he has a limited number of years left in his tank, and he wants a couple of more years of being paid. If he goes and blows his knee out this week, he won’t be getting any sort of decent deal next year. If anybody deserves to ask for an extension, it’s Mike Evans. He has restructured numerous times in order to help this team achieve their goals and stay under the cap, now it’s time for the team to do right by him.
I’m just gonna say this….(and don’t get this tangled and twisted)
Jerry Rice had more yards after age 30 than before age 30.
September 8th, 2023 at 4:58 pm
A couple things to defend Mike on here: everyone is just speculating how much he’s asking for. Maybe he’s not asking for $25M+, everyone just seems to be assuming he wants Kupp money.
I also understand no player wants to go into the last year of their contract without an extension, especially someone as highly regarded as Mike. If he is injured this season, he has no guarantees, no safeguards for future income. For all we know, he may just be asking a for a 2 year extension at 18-20M a year.
September 8th, 2023 at 5:05 pm
I have to think the Bucs are wanting to see how things go this season… if we are three and seven at some point, there’s no reason to sink a lot of money into a single receiver, a.l contender who lost a wide receiver would probably give us a third or maybe a second for him, assuming he would sign a contract
September 8th, 2023 at 5:09 pm
The way so many fans are having daily meltdowns on here, you’d think this team was already 0-7 or something.
Get a grip people.
September 8th, 2023 at 5:15 pm
In my opinion the team is at fault here. The team let a future hall of fame player get into the final year of his contract. That alone says they don’t want him. I mean if the team can’t negotiate a contract with a guy who wants to stay. How are they going to fare when they are negotiating against other teams in free agency. Not to mention the expected salary at the wide receiver position increases every year. I place the blame on ownership. Even I know they could restructure his current deal and get Mike to sign an extension. If they transfered his cap hit to a massive signing bonus. Ownership doesn’t like to do that here.
September 8th, 2023 at 5:22 pm
Some mediocre WR’s, like Christian Kirk, got $20m/year last year. $25m/year is probably about what it would take to resign Mike on a two year deal. Maybe $22m/year for 3 years, maybe $20m/year for 4-years.
Who much longer does Mike have left in his tank. I think he’s going to be a top flight WR for at least another 2-years, and then be a stil above average WR 3 years from now, and then drop off quite a bit in year 4.
So fi you resign Mike for 3-years, you know he’s going to drop off in that last year, but who cares, do it anyways.
Really the only thing I can think that might hold things up is if Mike is wanting some ridiculous like a new 5-year $120 deal or something, but I doubt he’s really trying to get that. I assume the Bucs want to just give him a 2-year extension, and he’d wanting 4, but will settle for 3, and they’re not moving. I am, of course, just guessing – but I doubt the money is as big of a deal as the length and guarantees.
September 8th, 2023 at 5:26 pm
Did anyone with a brain think they would sign him right now just because an agent lashed out after they had all offseason to make it happen lmao
September 8th, 2023 at 5:29 pm
One positive note….Mauch is listed as questionable with back spasms. I’ll take that as good news. I hear DeShawn watson knows people to help with that sort of thing (rimshot)
September 8th, 2023 at 5:33 pm
Smoke and mirrors. They want to make sure he is still worth an extension. He did fairly well last season, but it was not his best. He also has a hamstring problem every season.
If he is the top receiver the first few weeks, they will move closer to meeting his goals, but will leave a back door open to them.
The NFL is a business and they might be looking at trade value if they want to trade him.
September 8th, 2023 at 5:42 pm
I suppose there is something that has just occurred to me. I suppose HE HASN’T all the sudden been asking for the new contract AT ALL…
Thinking it back through, he has mentioned that he’s been TRYING to get this Done FOR OVER A YEAR! That’s NOT EXACTLY NEW.
With that in Mind, it changes my perspective QUITE A BIT…
September 8th, 2023 at 5:44 pm
I think Mike will be gone to a contender by Halloween!
September 8th, 2023 at 6:04 pm
Whats really sad about this is I believe Canales would have put Evans in the best position to be successful. Even Evans was saying he hasn’t been this open in years. So I guess either Evans has a phantom injury that keeps him on the sidelines this year. Or he plays really well and leaves via free agency.
September 8th, 2023 at 6:28 pm
… love Mike but after this year I think he will be #2 on this team and will need to be paid like 1. He can’t demand Cooper cupp money he has never had a season like cupp had that year. Hope it works out but these agents can’t set the tone here or they will do it with every player
September 8th, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Is he a free agent next year or this year ? Cant we franchise tag him
September 8th, 2023 at 6:31 pm
Guys don’t want to go into the season negotiating, It is distracting for them and the team. That’s why the deadline is now. Probably the deadline has always been the 9th, now his camp wants to let the public know.
This is business.
No fault on bucs.
No fault on Mike.
September 8th, 2023 at 6:35 pm
Mike’s playing, that’s all I care about. Go Bucs!
September 8th, 2023 at 6:36 pm
Mike has made his money. I don’t think that is his biggest motivation. He has stated before that he’s happy playing here and loves the Tampa Bay area and wants to finish out his career here.
Personally, I think he’s looking more for two things contract stability for the next two or three years and also the possibility of being able to pad his numbers for a Hall of Fame shot.
September 8th, 2023 at 6:49 pm
LOL Let’s bake!
September 8th, 2023 at 6:56 pm
It’s been suggested in comment sections (hear and elsewhere) that the Bucs wouldn’t use the franchise tag on Mike because a) it would cost too much for an annual salary or b) “it’s a bad look” to tag a respected veteran who has “been so loyal” throughout his career. I tend to disagree with “a” because he would be worth the cost, and I don’t think “b” is really much of a factor. Optics will lose out to business every time. But I’m open to discussion on it.
September 8th, 2023 at 7:08 pm
Putting emotions aside on ME, who is one of the greatest in franchise history, I don’t think the Bucs are in a position to spend $50 million plus on two wide receivers in 2024 ($27.5M for Godwin and $23M+ for Evans) and beyond. There are too many other team and depth needs to build a true contender, and in reality if Canales spread offense works properly we can certainly get by. We aren’t likely back to true multi year playoff contenders for a few seasons anyways, so if we are out of contention by this years trade deadline I think ME is traded. We are much smarter to focus on spending in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
September 8th, 2023 at 7:59 pm
This is a crazy situation for any team but Mike Evans should have gotten a new deal before we threw all of that money at Jamel Dean! There were better players in free agency that we could’ve gotten for the money that was paid to Dean and Mike’s deal should’ve been included in that! His current deal has him as the 17th highest paid wideout and I can’t think of 10 or 12 that are better than Mike to have a higher salary than him! I can not see how we have 100 million dollars tied up in corners that are not lock down/shut down corners but the most productive buc in our franchises history can not get a deal that he has proven he is worth and deserves!!! If tomorrow passes without a deal then Mike Evans should most certainly take his talent elsewhere!
September 8th, 2023 at 8:21 pm
Too many loudmouth idiots on here attacking players needlessly. “Shut up and play?” “Mike Evans is a Diva?” WTF? Internet tough guys
September 8th, 2023 at 8:31 pm
People picking millionaires over billionaires
September 8th, 2023 at 8:31 pm
Dammit- I meant the opposite.
September 8th, 2023 at 8:35 pm
They should have paid him. It is a business. And I hope he has a great season and forces them to tag him.
As for all of the worry about him distracting the team, that’s crap. If this distracts someone, they are weak. All of these softies who want to be victims and get “triggered” by words. Butch up. Stop being pansies. Life is hard. Suck it up. Stop being weak.
September 8th, 2023 at 9:17 pm
Trade the Bum.
September 8th, 2023 at 9:58 pm
The problem I have is that he wants Cooper Kupp money and has literally never been a top 3 receiver let alone #1. He’s not getting any younger either. The good news is we aren’t paying a QB so we should be able to pay other positions. As long as we have Godwin I feel comfortable in drafting a top end receiver (Marvin Harrison Jr would be amazing) if Evans leaves
September 8th, 2023 at 10:39 pm
I guess the shut up and play comment is still a thing
I understand both sides and expected them to call his bluff. Bucs would be happy with a high pick which is more likely without Evans.
Evans doesn’t want to risk injury and have no security. Injury would be all the excuse they need to let him walk and have the rest of the league try and low ball him. If it’s about the dollar amount instead of security well that is different and you screwed yourself.
September 8th, 2023 at 11:42 pm
Bucs have accumulated a nice group of young players these past few years. Call it reloading but really it is just a disguised way of saying the Bucs are rebuilding. There is always an exception, but most likely Mike Evan will be too old and slow at WR when the can truly make another run to the super bowl. It is not personal but business. I just don’t see Evan on the roster next year.
September 9th, 2023 at 12:32 am
@Marine Buc,
There is Exhibit A: the player and Exhibit B: the agent. An agent isn’t doing his job if he’s not trying to get his client the last or second to last contract of his client’s career at whatever max value. And Mike can’t come out, in so many words, and go against what his agent is trying to do otherwise it’ll be a hollow negotiation. But, I’m sure team brass knows Mike is a stand up guy by now and it’s just his age and security with a new contract at play here. Mike has done everything right so far and has restructured his deal to allow the Bucs to sign other players in the past. This comes down to respect for what he’s done, trying to end his career as a Buc even though this team looks to be on the down trend, and of course get paid. But, I will bet Mike is more worried about the first two and the last comes in as more of a priority of his agent. Any player would like to see more money, that’s a given. The same goes for the agent who will get a commission on top of his fees. If other WRs can get paid, why can’t Mike? Jason Licht will get it done if they can agree on a ballpark number, but he won’t be arm twisted into a deadline.
September 9th, 2023 at 7:18 am
And the 2023 season is flushed right down the drain. Thanks, Yucs!
September 9th, 2023 at 7:49 am
Duane’s reading comprehension skills are lacking
September 9th, 2023 at 9:32 am
Crazy how Mike Evans has been nothing but exemplary, even restructuring and giving up money multiple times and now ppl on this site are like ooooohhh he’s so entitled, we deserve the BS season we’re about to get….well YOU do lol
September 9th, 2023 at 9:33 am
People need to chill, ME is still the same guy, he hasn’t been holding out, hasn’t suggested anything of the sort. Most of what some people are up in arms about is his agent talking.
None of us really know anything – there are reports that he and the Bucs also had a contract they both liked and it’s just not signed yet.
September 9th, 2023 at 10:11 am
By all accounts Mike is a great guy and an amazing player. Always representing the franchise in a positive light. One of the greatest Bucs of all time. I also understand that he’s trying tp show a united front w/ his agent. That’s what you’re supposed to do. Privately, however, Mike needs to take stock on how he is being represented. Such an amateurish mistake for his agent to set a date and give an ultimatum. That “strategy” was a major fail from its inception.
September 9th, 2023 at 10:43 am
If you sign Evans to a big contract that means you have to get rid of Godwin. Evans or Godwin, you can’t have two wide receivers making 20+ million each with everyone else we have to sign over the next two years.