Bucs exercise Mike Evans' 5th-year option

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have picked up the 2018 fifth-year option on wide receiver Mike Evans' rookie contract, general manager Jason Licht announced Monday, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine.

Licht added the team hopes to make Evans "a Buc for life."

After a season in which Evans elevated his game to arguably top-five status at his position, it was an easy decision for the Bucs to take up the option.

Evans caught 96 passes for 1,321 yards and 12 touchdowns, showing off an increased chemistry with quarterback Jameis Winston which should power the Bucs' offense for the foreseeable future.