3 reasons why Mike Evans can’t get out of Buccaneers jail in 2023

Mike Evans had another impressive campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. The receiver finished with 1,124 yards and six touchdowns, helping his team clinch their divisional title.

Evans has been linked with a move away from Tampa Bay in the offseason. The New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys have reportedly shown interest in the four-time Pro Bowler.

Here, however, we take a look at three reasons why Evans will not be able to leave the Buccaneers in the 2023 offseason.

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#1. Mike Evans is the best receiver in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans

Although Evans has had his share of off-field issues, he remains the best receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Apart from being the team's leader in receiving yards, Evans also caught the highest number of touchdowns (six) last season, twice more than Tampa Bay's second-best receiver Chris Godwin.

Given that Tom Brady has retired, it's unlikely that the Buccaneers will be allowing their premier receiver to leave in the offseason. Also, with Baker Mayfield as their new quarterback, the team will want to keep a hold of their best receiver to build a foundation for their offense.

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#2. Contract situation with Buccaneers

Mike Evans has just one more year left on his contract with Tampa Bay and is set to become a free agent in 2024. Any other NFL team that trades for him would need to sign a contract extension for the deal to make sense.

While Evans has proved to be a top receiver over the years, his temper and off-field antics will also be a cause for concern. Many teams would not opt to take that contract gamble on the Super Bowl winner.

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#3. Age factor

Evans is the only player in NFL history to start his career with nine consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards. However, he isn't getting any younger.

The receiver will turn 30 by the time the 2023 season begins. While there may be a few teams monitoring him in the offseason, Evans' age will be a deciding factor on whether franchises will trade for him.