Possible New York Jets target Mike Evans will test the waters of free agency
The New York Jets have a chance to pursue one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is set to hit the open market and become a free agent.
“Tampa and Evans are in discussions, but he wants to explore his options. This doesn’t mean Evans’ time as a Buc is over, but he plans on hearing from all teams before making a decision,” said Russini.
WR Mike Evans plans to hit free agency for the first time in his career, per sources. Tampa and Evans are in discussions but he wants to explore his options. This doesn’t mean Evans' time as a Buc is over, but he plans on hearing from all teams before making a decision.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 2, 2024
Evans becoming available could be great news for the Jets and their offense. Even at 30 years old, the longtime Buccaneer posted an impressive season in 2023, racking up 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also ranked second in the NFL with 16 contested catches and didn’t seem to lose a step athletically as he averaged a career-best 4.2 yards after the catch per reception.
The longtime wide receiver’s 2023 season continued his streak of consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. Since coming into the NFL as a rookie in 2014, Evans has yet to post a season under the 1,000-yard benchmark.
For a Jets offense severely lacking weapons, Evans is the best possible weapon they could add on the free agent market. The veteran receiver would give New York the contested catch and deep ball threat they have been desperately searching for. Additionally, the duo of Garrett Wilson and Evans would provide Aaron Rodgers with two elite weapons who can take pressure off one another.
It will take a giant contract for the Jets to get the superstar wide receiver, which will not be an easy task. Tampa Bay should still be considered one of the front runners, and many contenders will be ready to pursue Evans. Spotrac estimates Evans’ market value is $23.8 million per year, and some reports indicate he is seeking more than $25 million per year.
As a result, the Jets must show they are all in on the 2024 season by leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of Evans. If they can land him, they will be in a great position to compete in 2024.
Sounds to me like he wants to use other teams as leverage so he can resign with Tampa. I love Evans’ talent and think a fully dialed in Mike Evans has a big year with the Jets, however if he really wants to be in Tampa I wouldn’t touch him with a 10 foot pole. The Jets have been used as leverage far too many times.
This is how you get in FA trouble. You sign one of these guys, who’s been in one place his entire career, then goes to another team, and it’s just not the same. Everything is different, right down to the parking space. Then the long time vet checks out, and you have an underperforming 30 something year old player.
I don’t like the feel of this at this point in time. Things could change but I’d look elsewhere.