Recent off signing legendary Bucs receiver Mike Evans to a two-year contract extension price a minimum of $41 million, normal supervisor Jason Licht appears ready to do it once more.
Becoming a member of Steve Wyche and James Palmer on NFL Community’s The NFL Report on Monday night, Licht mentioned how Evans, who turns 31 in August, remains to be in his prime and coming off considered one of his finest years.
“It’s not enjoyable typically (doing contract negotiations), however on this explicit case with Mike, he didn’t decelerate in any respect this 12 months,” Licht stated. “He had considered one of his finest years. And naturally, we take a look at all of the GPS and all these issues, and this was one of many quickest years that he’s had. It’s a tribute to his coaching. He’s working extraordinarily exhausting as he’s gotten up there in age. And as he’s put years in and logged years in, he’s labored tougher and tougher within the offseason.”
In his tenth 12 months in Tampa Bay, Evans had considered one of his finest seasons. He caught 79 passes for 1,255 yards (15.9 avg.) and 13 touchdowns in 2023 and was Tampa Bay’s major weapon on offense. All of these numbers are up from a 12 months in the past when he had 77 receptions for 1,124 yards (14.6 avg.) and 6 TDs.
Evans’ huge season got here when he wanted it probably the most. As Evans turned 30, the Bucs wished to see how he would carry out in a contract 12 months and didn’t make him a proposal till after the 2023 season concluded. Evans helped the Bucs make the playoffs for a fourth straight season, win a 3rd consecutive NFC South championship and advance to the NFC Divisional spherical of the playoffs.
Bucs WR Mike Evans – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Licht attributes Evans’ extended success to his work ethic and coaching routine, and hinted that this two-year deal may not be his final with the Bucs.
“He’s a freak employee proper now,” Licht stated. “So we weren’t afraid of him shedding something. In actual fact, we expect that he’s nonetheless in his prime – very a lot so. And I wouldn’t be shocked if we truly signal him to a different contract extension after this one’s completed the best way he’s motivated proper now.”
Though he opted to not play within the postseason all-star occasion, Evans made his fifth Professional Bowl in 2023, and was additionally named a second-team All-Professional for the second time in his illustrious profession. He additionally prolonged his personal NFL file with 10 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start out a profession.
Jason Licht Will get Emotional Speaking About Mike Evans
On the press convention asserting the Mike Evans contract extension on March 8 simply previous to the beginning of free company, Bucs normal supervisor Jason Licht admitted he was getting emotional speaking in regards to the legendary receiver and his impression on the franchise.
Bucs WR Mike Evans and GM Jason Licht – Picture by: Scott Reynolds/PR
“To be absolutely clear, I’ve completed a couple of of those over the past decade, however I’m having a tough time with developing with what to say right here as a result of there’s simply a lot to say,” Licht stated. “Mike’s clearly a rare participant. He and his spouse, Ashli, and household are extraordinary folks. [They] have completed unprecedented issues in the neighborhood, in addition to Mike on the sector. He means a lot to this neighborhood, fanbase, group, [and] to me, personally, my household. He’s a task mannequin to loads of children and our children as nicely.
“The second that we discovered that Mike wished to be a [Buccaneer] for all times was one thing I’ll always remember. I used to be sharing the story with him, the place Blair [Licht] and I have been. So, earlier than I get too emotional, I’m going to show it over to him, however we’re simply joyful he stayed dwelling.”
On an look on NFL Tonight on NFL Community, Licht was requested about why he will get emotional discussing his first-ever draft decide as normal supervisor.
“It’s as a result of he’s probably the most selfless participant that I’ve ever been round,” Licht stated of Mike Evans. “He’s probably the most humble superstars – we’ve used that a number of instances right here, however that’s one of the simplest ways to explain him. He’s all about staff. There’s not a single individual that locker room that doesn’t respect him – not a single particular person on this constructing that doesn’t respect him. He is aware of everyone. He treats everyone the identical. He treats everyone with respect.
“And all he needs to do is win. You realize I couldn’t draw up higher teammate than Mike Evans, which is why this turned very emotional – and the considered shedding him I felt could be very detrimental to this group. So I’m glad as soon as once more – he’s one other one I’m glad we don’t know what occurred, what would have occurred if we didn’t signal him earlier than free company began. I simply know that I had a couple of cocktails after we bought that one completed.”
What The Subsequent Mike Evans Contract Extension Might Look Like
Bucs WR Mike Evans – Picture by: USA At present
With Mike Evans locked up for 2 extra years in Tampa Bay, Jason Licht and assistant normal supervisor Mike Greenberg don’t have to consider one other spherical of negotiations with the longer term Corridor of Famer for some time.
If there’s a subsequent contract with Evans, it can doubtless proceed to be one other short-term deal like the present two-year settlement. Or maybe will probably be a one-year deal just like the franchise has completed prior to now with Corridor of Famer Ronde Barber within the twilight of his profession and just like the staff is at present doing with 34-year outdated linebacker Lavonte David, who signed one other one-year deal this offseason.
How a lot Evans is price by way of tens of tens of millions of {dollars} depends upon his manufacturing as he navigates his 30s, however future offers might keep within the $20 million-plus vary.
If Evans is actually nonetheless in his prime in 2026 and continues to crank out 1,000-yard seasons because the Bucs’ major weapon within the passing recreation, the star receiver’s present deal will definitely not be his final in Tampa Bay.
Licht will be certain that of it – and have a couple of extra cocktails afterwards to have fun it.
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