Buccaneers 2024 free agency tracker: Tampa re-signs WR Mike Evans
TAMPA, Fla. — NFL free agency is off and running, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2024 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year to officially sign players begins March 13 at 4 p.m. ET, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got ahead of things and were able to re-sign wide receiver Mike Evans — a five-time Pro Bowler — to a two-year deal Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The first round of the 2024 NFL draft also begins April 25 on ESPN. Here’s a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the Buccaneers and how each will impact the upcoming season:
The Bucs and Evans reached an agreement on a two-year, $52 million contract that includes $35 million guaranteed.
What it means: Those closest to Evans have long felt he’ll play for at least two more years. This move may very well keep him in Tampa for the entirety of his career, which has been a desire for Evans and the Bucs all along. General manager Jason Licht said last week at the combine that they’d likely have to “strain” to get this deal done, but he kept good on his word in bringing Evans back to Tampa — which has been the team’s top priority. Their window to contend remains open, assuming they re-sign quarterback Baker Mayfield. Sources say that Mayfield may not make it to free agency, either.
What’s the risk: Considering Evans showed no drop-off at age 30 last season, finishing with yet another 1,000-yard receiving season and tying for the league lead with 13 touchdowns for the first time in his career, there really isn’t one — unless his body starts to wear down. There have been no indications of that happening. He has been remarkably durable, missing just nine games in 10 seasons, and he’s shown he can play in just about every offense, with any type of quarterback.