NFL Rumors: Mike Evans Wants to Retire with Bucs; TB Eyes Contract 'in a Major Way'

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are attempting to retain wide receiver Mike Evans "in a major way," according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler reported Sunday on SportsCenter the interest is mutual as Evans "wants to retire a Buccaneer." That may not stop the five-time Pro Bowler from seeing what he could command on the open market as a free agent, though.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Feb. 19 that the team and player "remain far apart." That day was also the deadline for the two sides to strike a bargain before Tampa Bay incurred a dead money hit thanks to renegotiating Evans' contract. Whether he re-signs or not, he'll count for $12.2 million on the books in 2024.

The 30-year-old is one of the best pass-catchers headed for free agency, and he might owe a small debt of gratitude to the Cincinnati Bengals. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Friday the Bengals are applying the franchise tag to Tee Higgins. Removing Higgins from the market entirely — or at least making it more complicated for another team to get him — gives Evans added leverage with interested suitors.

ESPN's Jenna Laine cast some doubt on Evans' long-term future with the Buccaneers as the 2023 season was getting ready to kick off. Negotiations between his representatives and the team to that point had carried on for multiple years without a breakthrough.

"Sources close to the situation said they believe that this is an ownership call versus a front office call," Laine reported. "The Glazer family, who own the Buccaneers, signed off on the franchise borrowing nearly $100 million from the future to support a Tom Brady Super Bowl run for three seasons, which has meant limited resources with the salary cap as they try to rebuild."

Evans had 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and an NFL-best 13 touchdowns this year, extending his streak of 1,000-yard campaigns to 10. Based on the historic aging curves for wideouts, that impressive consistency could come to a halt sooner rather than later.

Winning a third straight NFC South title with a resurgent Baker Mayfield may have accelerated the Buccaneers' broad time line. If they're still leaning toward a rebuild, however, then letting Evans walk might be viewed as a necessary pivot.