The 2024 NFL season is nearing its official beginning, with free agency opening up on March 13. Additionally, the legal tampering period begins two days earlier on March 11.
One high-profile free agent set to hit the market is wide receiver Mike Evans. According to rumors, Evans wants to play with an elite quarterback. Where could he end up?
Mike Evans Looking To Play With Elite Quarterback
Evans is set to hit free agency at 30 years old, turning 31 before the 2024 season starts. He’s been with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2014 after being drafted with the seventh-overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Evans has since won one Super Bowl and been named a two-time second-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler. He’s caught 762 passes for 11,680 yards and 94 touchdowns.
While the Buccaneers and Evans could still come to a deal, he will likely hit free agency and not be franchise-tagged. Tampa Bay could tag him, but they likely need to use it on either quarterback Baker Mayfield or safety Antoine Winfield Jr.
According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Evans’ agent says he wants to play with an elite quarterback. “Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him — and be paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a key priority,” Evans’ agent said.
Evans Stays in Florida?
One team that could target Evans is another team in Florida, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars have Zay Jones as a cap casualty candidate and Calvin Ridley as an impending free agent.
Considering that and the fact the Jaguars need to put better weapons around quarterback Trevor Lawrence, at 6’5″ and 231 pounds, Evans could be the big-body jump-ball receiver that Lawrence used to throw to in college (à la Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins)
Kansas City Makes a Splash Signing?
The Kansas City Chiefs’ biggest issue in the 2023 season was their wide receiver group. While they saw significant development from rookie Rashee Rice, they still need another guy on the outside, especially after releasing Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
As for Evans’ request for an elite quarterback? Well, the Chiefs have the best quarterback in the league and arguably one of the greatest of all time in Patrick Mahomes. Evans would immediately become Mahomes’ top target outside, except for Travis Kelce, and the team’s best receiver since Tyreek Hill.
Evans in Purple and Black?
This one is the longest shot, but the Baltimore Ravens once again could use a receiver. While they have rising star Zay Flowers, they could lose O’dell Beckham Jr. and don’t have any top-tier players on the outside.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agency Predictions — Kirk Cousins, Josh Jacobs, and Mike Evans Each Sign With New Teams
And once again, how about a Super Bowl victory and an elite quarterback? Lamar Jackson and the Ravens fit that bill. Jackson won MVP in 2023 and 2019, and the Ravens made it all the way to the AFC Championship.
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