By Jordan Long
Earlier this week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up a fifth-year option on Mike Evans’ rookie contract. This will keep him in Tampa Bay until 2019 when he is scheduled to become a free agent.
Mike Evans was selected 7th overall by Tampa Bay in the 2014 NFL Draft. He has become one of the best young wide receivers in the game. Evans has a total of 238 catches for 3,578 yards and 27 touchdowns in his three years. His average yards per catch is an impressive 15 yards.
The Buccaneers know how valuable he is to the offense. Evans has played himself into the number one receiver on the team. Quarterback Jameis Winston looks for him in the open field. When Evans catches the football, his speed makes it difficult for the defensive backs to tackle him. Those passes are for 1st downs or touchdowns. When Tampa Bay is in the red zone, they can count on Evans. His size at 6 foot 5 inches allows him to out-jump the defensive backs for the football. Those catches end in touchdowns. Evans protects the football and has fumbled only once.
The Buccaneers needed to make this move. If they didn’t, Evans could have been a free agent in 2018. Tampa Bay’s next order of business with Evans is to reach a long-term contract. This should occur during the 2018 off-season. If they wait he can test free agency in 2019.
Tampa Bay must sign him to a long term agreement. They can’t allow him to test free agency. Plenty of teams will be interested in him because of what he can do on the football field. Luckily, the Buccaneers have a few years to talk to Evans and reach a contract extension. Hopefully, Evans will spend the rest of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and bring them a Super Bowl along the way.
What do you think of the Buccaneers picking up Mike Evans’ fifth year option?
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