Mike Evans Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs WR Mike Evans's potential contract receives mixed reactions

By Max Steele | Last updated 6/18/23

Mike Evans is Hall of Fame-worthy, but should the Buccaneers break the bank to keep the 29-year-old? Tampa Bay and Evans are reportedly in negotiation talks as the star receiver enters his last season under contract, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Evans's potential third contract with the Bucs could resemble Davante Adams's five-year, $140 million deal with the Raiders last season and the news garnered mixed reactions online.

Many believe Evans to be more than deserving of the payday. The four-time Pro Bowler has played a crucial role in Tampa Bay for nearly a decade and is considered by some as the greatest offensive player in franchise history. He helped lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl LV victory and holds an NFL record with nine straight 1,000-yard seasons.

He deserves every single cent. What Big Mike Evans has been able to accomplish with the #Buccaneers in his time with the team, has been nothing short of incredible.

1K seasons every year since he's been in the league, TD machine, and is just that dude on the field.

Pay 'em
— FootballFanatico (@FB_Fanatico) June 17, 2023

Pay that man whatever he wants, one of the best receivers the Bucs will ever have. Crazy how good he is, never seen anything like it when he goes up for a ball https://t.co/tFaTQnjGef
— RossCo⚡️ (@TBL_Hockey) June 17, 2023

One of the most slept on dominant players of his time.

The three guarantees in life:
~Death
~Taxes
~Mike Evans 1,000 yards receiving
— Chase Nuss (@ProFootballGeek) June 17, 2023

Others were less enthusiastic about paying the aging veteran.

Despite his legendary career, investing a large amount of cap space into an older player could be unwise — especially during an uncertain post-Brady era. Evans has proven to be durable, but some think rebuilding would be a better use of money.

The history of WRs taller than 6'3" over the age 30 is very bad.

That's worrisome as a Bucs fan, but on the other hand Mike deserves to get paid.

An consummate professional.
— Mat (@MatthiasWhist) June 17, 2023

Bucs just need to let go and rebuild
— Pickle (@betpickle) June 17, 2023

Isn’t he like 30?

Dropping that on a dude hitting the end of his career is wild. Do you Tampa Bay!
— Mr Bengals Jr (@MrCincySports) June 17, 2023

Evans's agent hinted the receiver prefers to stay in Tampa Bay and expects the Bucs to "lock him up for a third deal," according to Stroud.

That said, there's no doubt other teams would be interested in Evans if he shopped around.

After playing with Brady for three seasons, he might not be ready to play with mediocre quarterbacks again. It'd be hard to blame him for joining a contender at this point in his career.

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