Mike Evans aspires to play ‘with an elite quarterback’ as winning Super Bowl will be his ‘key priority’ following Bucs exit

Free agent Mike Evans' agent revealed that his client would like to play with a top 5 quarterback and win more Super Bowls.

Mike Evans aspires to play ‘with an elite quarterback’ as winning Super Bowl will be his ‘key priority’ following Bucs exit

January 15, 2024, Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Mike Evans 13 warming up at Raymond James Stadium (Image via IMAGO)

Any top wide receiver like Mike Evans has the desire to play alongside a top quarterback and win Super Bowls while scoring tons of touchdowns. Especially when he has already experienced what a quality QB like Tom Brady can do with the ball.

That’s probably why Evans’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, claimed that the five-time Pro Bowler has ambitions of reaching those heights once again. Evans wants to pair with another great QB and fight for the Super Bowl while taking home a handsome paycheck.

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Gilmore told Bleacher Report’s NFL Insider Jordan Schultz,

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Mike [Evans] 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.

Mike Evans is a free agent

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished the season with a 9-8 record, reaching the divisional round for the first time since they won the Super Bowl in 2021. Evans registered his 10th consecutive season with 1000 receiving yards [1,255 receiving yards on 79 receptions] while being the most economical receiver [15.9 yards per grab] in the league last season.

Mike Evans aspires to play 'with an elite quarterback' as winning Super Bowl will be his 'key priority' following Bucs exit
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (Image via IMAGO)

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that although the Buccaneers are hoping to strike a deal, they will allow the 30-year-old to explore other options. This will be the first time since 2014 that Evans will enter a free agency. But unlike last time, his projected market value is set at $95.3 million over four years, with an average annual salary of $23.8 million. 

Unlike most free agents, who will likely receive a franchise tag similar to L’Jarius Sneed of the Chiefs or Colts’ Michael Pittman Jr., Evans is free to choose his next home. The two-time second-team All-Pro isn’t the only player on the priority list for the Bucs. Baker Mayfield and Antoine Winfield Jr. are all set to become free agents.

While Winfield Jr. will most likely receive a tag, Mayfield may bag a $125 million, 4-year deal, as per Spotrac. In this situation, the Bucs have to pick and choose which player they must keep and which they can let go. Evans may be the casualty in this case because of his desire to play with an elite quarterback. 

However, as per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, Mayfield could also be in demand elsewhere. The New England Patriots reportedly have a few admirers of the former Browns and Rams starter. With the league’s best salary cap of more than $100 million, they can easily afford Mayfield’s wages.

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