Mike Evans was let go to become a free agent by the Buccaneers.
According to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not get an extension done with Mike Evans before their “soft deadline” and have decided not to use a franchise tag to keep him in Tampa Bay. As a result, it appears like he’s going to become a free agent.
“The Buccaneers had a soft deadline today to get an extension done with Pro Bowl WR Mike Evans, but both sides remain far apart, sources say. Tampa Bay is likely to take on $7.4 million in 2024 dead money by not having a deal done today,” Schultz said in a post on the social media website.
“Talks will continue, but my understanding is that Evans is trending toward becoming a free agent, barring an unexpected change in discussions,” Schultz concluded.
If and when Evans does become a free agent, he will certainly be one of the best free-agent receivers on the market, since he has been one of the most consistent receivers in the league during his whole career, as there has not been a single season where he did not reach 1,000 receiving yards.