Buccaneers star Mike Evans plans to test free agency for first time: report

NFL star wide receiver Mike Evans has spent his entire professional football career in one place. But, the 30-year-old's future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appears to be in doubt.

Although Evans has consistently expressed his desire to stay in Tampa, he will likely explore his options on the free agent market, according to a report from The Athletic. Evans is scheduled to enter free agency later this month at the start of the NFL's new league year.

Evans and his representatives were believed to be working towards a contract extension, but talks with the Buccaneers have reportedly stalled. So, Evans will now listen to other teams before deciding where he will play in 2024.

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Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on before kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Arlington, TX. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Evans is coming off another strong season. He finished the 2023 campaign with 1,255 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. He has never finished any of his ten NFL seasons with less than 1,000 receiving yards.

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Evans' strong play carried over into the 2023 postseason. He had a combined 195 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Bucs' two playoff games.

Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.   (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Evans' consistency, along with his intangible skills, will likely appeal to multiple NFL teams if he does end up on the open market. 

He agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Bucs back in 2018. 

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Evans has 11,680 career receiving yards. He has been named to five Pro Bowls in his decade-long run with the Bucs. He is also a two-time Second-team All-Pro receiver.

Michael Pittman Jr., Marquise Brown, and Calvin Ridley also headline the expected wide receiver free agent class.

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