Report: Buccaneers, Evans negotiating new deal

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and star wide receiver Mike Evans have begun to negotiate a new contract, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud.

"Mike loves Tampa," Evans' agent, Deryk Gilmore, said. "I know the feeling is mutual. His production is the best of all the guys out there."

"I've got to think they would like to lock him up to a third deal," he added.

Evans, who will turn 30 in August, is entering the final season of a five-year, $82.5-million extension signed in 2018. The four-time Pro Bowler is set to account for $23.6-million cap hit, according to Spotrac.

The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Evans has been one of the most consistent playmakers on the Bucs' offense since being drafted in the first round in 2014. He has tallied nine consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns.

The Texas A&M product's $16.5-million annual average salary ranks 17th among wideouts in the league, per Over the Cap. Among the most notable names ahead of Evans in terms of compensation is teammate Chris Godwin, who signed a three-year, $60-million extension with Tampa Bay in March 2022.

Evans hauled in 77 catches for 1,124 yards, and six touchdowns in 15 games last season. He's already the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (683), receiving yards (10,425), and touchdown catches (81). He was also a member of the Bucs' Super Bowl LV-winning squad.

Head coach Todd Bowles applauded Evans' productivity and longevity with club this past week.

"When you stay with one team and you put up those type of numbers, that says a lot about you from a character standpoint and a talent standpoint," Bowles said. "He continues to do it."