Another one bites the dust for the receiver-needy New England Patriots with five-time Pro Bowl wideout Mike Evans reportedly agreeing to a two-year extension to stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Patriots were likely a long-shot hopeful to earn Evans’ services, but one would think they would have been one of the teams interested in acquiring him in free agency. However, the Buccaneers did right by their longtime star by reaching a deal before things ever got to that point.
Evans and Tee Higgins, who was franchise tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals, were both dream free agent targets for the Patriots, but both will be returning to their respective franchises.
Before free agency begins next week, the Buccaneers and five-time Pro-Bowl WR Mike Evans reached agreement on a two-year, $52 million that includes $35 million guaranteed, per his agent @DerykGilmore.
Evans now has a real chance to start and finish his career in Tampa as a Buc. pic.twitter.com/tj68Vk9YpG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2024
Things are beginning to thin out for the Patriots as far as elite receiving options are concerned. Indianapolis Colts wideout Michael Pittman Jr. remains the best option out there right now.
Other potential targets include Calvin Ridley, Marquise Brown, Odell Beckham Jr. and Curtis Samuel.
There are also plenty of potential breakout receivers up for grabs in the 2024 NFL draft. Options clearly remain for New England, but there are less now than there were when Evans and Higgins were still on the table.
