Mike Evans Re-Signs With Buccaneers; Patriots Switching Free Agent Receiver Target?

The New England Patriots' potential top target at receiver in free agency, Mike Evans, choose to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If the New England Patriots are going to turn their offense around, revamping the receiving corps is among their top priorities this offseason. 

Now, there will be one less option at New England's disposal when free agency begins next week. Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans is staying home, as he signed a two-year $52 million contract extension with $35 million guaranteed on Monday morning, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. 

Mike Evans makes a catch over Jalen Ramsey :: Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Evans has been the most reliable receiver in the NFL for the past decade, as he's the only player in NFL history at his position to have over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his 10 seasons as a pro. The five-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion showed no signs of slowing down in 2023, as he had 79 catches for 1,255 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns, which was tied for the most in the league with Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill. 

New England not having a shot at signing Evans likely hurts its chances at making a run at quarterback Baker Mayfield in free agency, as the team reportedly has interest in him. 

With Evans off the board, receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts or Calvin Ridley from the Jacksonville Jaguars could make sense and still fill a void on an offense that was tied for last in points per game (13.9) and third-to-last in total yards per game (276.2). The Patriots have over $100 million in cap space, which is the most in the NFL and can be the highest bidder for the established receiver they desperately need. 

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Whether the Patriots opt to sign a quarterback through free agency or take one with the No. 3 overall pick, having reliable targets will go a long way toward putting whoever is under center in a better position to succeed than last season. Their leadership could also pay dividends if New England drafts a receiver from one of the deepest receiving classes in recent memory. 

Regardless, any hope the Patriots had at making a run at the best and most reliable pending free-agent receiver in Evans has been vanquished and they'll have to turn elsewhere to retool their receiving core.