Report: Mike Evans, Bucs Won't Agree to Contract Extension; WR Set for 2024 NFL FA

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and wide receiver Mike Evans have not agreed on a contract extension prior to the pass-catcher's imposed Sept. 9 deadline, meaning that the 30-year-old is set to enter free agency next offseason.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the news on Saturday.

Evans has played all eight of his NFL seasons in Tampa Bay, amassing 1,000 or more yards in each campaign. The four-time Pro Bowler is coming off a 77-catch, 1,124-yard, six-touchdown season.

As for whether or not the Bucs would trade Evans midseason, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported it likely won't be happening:

The news comes as no surprise. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported Friday that the Bucs were not planning to offer an extension to Evans before Week 1.

There's no denying Evans' production and consistency, and he's in some great company thus far, as James Palmer of NFL Network noted:

The issue is that the Buccaneers are in a rebuilding phase in the post-Tom Brady era, and investing a long-term deal in Evans may not be the best move with the team needing to address numerous concerns.

The Bucs went 8-9 last year, and they were outscored by 45 points. Now seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady is gone. It's possible his successor, Baker Mayfield, gets it done. But at the same time, the Bucs appear far away from competing for Super Bowls right now.

As for Evans, he's focused on doing the best he can this season regardless of whether or not he got an extension.

"My agent set the deadline," Evans said, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "Obviously we've been working with them for a year now trying to get something done. Any player in my position would want to be solidified and secured. Whether the deal is done or not — either way — I'm looking forward to having a great season this year."

Evans and the Bucs will start that year Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at the Minnesota Vikings.