Which Teams Could Trade For Buccaneers Receiver Mike Evans?

If the Buccaneers and star wide receiver Mike Evans can't come to a contract agreement and decide to part ways, here are some likely and unlikely landing spots.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers and star receiver Mike Evans are in the middle of a very public contract standoff. Naturally, there is speculation that if a deal can't be reached prior to the season starting, the Bucs could look at all options including trading the four-time Pro Bowler. 

The likelihood of the Buccaneers trading Evans before the season starts are slim to none. Though in the event things turn sour, moving Evans would help the Buccaneers with their salary cap issues as trading him would free up $14.5 million for the season. However, the team would still be on the hook for $12.1 million in dead money in 2024. 

It’s possible that if things start to take a turn for the worse during the season Tampa Bay could look to shop him to a contender at the trade deadline. 

If the Bucs were going to move on from Evans before the season starts or at the deadline, which teams could be in contention and have the cap space to land the veteran receiver's services?

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The Contenders

Kansas City Chiefs 

Pairing quarterback Patrick Mahomes with Mike Evans would just be unfair. However, with over $20 million in cap space the Chiefs do have the means to get a deal done and a need for a top receiver on the roster. Keeping him out of the NFC would be an added bonus.

New York Jets 

The Jets have been big game hunting recently adding running back Dalvin Cook to the team. After the off-season acquistion of Aaron Rodger the team is all-in on their quest for their second Super Bowl. Evans could be the missing piece the offense needs.

Detroit Lions

A trade in the conference is unlikely, especially since the two teams play each other. However, the Lions have done all the right things over the last two seasons and are in a position to compete for the NFC North crown. Adding Evans to a room that features Amon-Ra St.Brown and Jameson Williams could just get them over the hump.

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On The Cusp

New England Patriots

The Patriots have been linked to several big-name receivers over the last few years with none of them coming to fruition. Evans would give Mac Jones the top target he has lacked and help the team compete in a stacked AFC East.  

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are armed with over $40 million in cap space per the NFLPA's public salary cap report. With Amani Cooper the only receiving threat Cleveland has on the roster, adding Evans to Deshaun Watson's arsenal of targets could help put the Browns over in the AFC North. 

Denver Broncos

With the recent injury to Jerry Jeudy, the Broncos could use a weapon like Evans in their lineup. Russell Wilson and Sean Payton have a ton of pressure to turn things around in Denver and Payton knows firsthand the damage Evans can do.

Teams With Promising Rookie QB's

Indianapolis Colts

The Buccaneers respect Evans enough to not trade him somewhere he wouldn't want to go. But perhaps playing with the strong-armed Anthony Richardson and a massive contract could sway the veteran receiver. 

Carolina Panthers

Despite running back Miles Sanders' recent recruiting efforts, this one just ain't happening. 

Houston Texans

Mike Evans is from Houston and the Texans' top receivers on the depth chart are Robert Woods and Nico Collins. C.J. Stroud is a promising young quarterback, but a homecoming is unlikely. 

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.

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