The Tampa Bay Buccaneers realized how much they missed having a full array of weapons at Baker Mayfield's disposal on Thursday night as Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan made their returns from long injury layoffs.
When it comes to Evans, his streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons appears over, but he reminded us of his talent, going over 100 yards in his first game back, which was a positive note on an otherwise dour night.
Given Evans' age and injury history over the past two years, it isn't out of the realm of possibility that he hangs up his cleats at season's end.
But for ESPN's Jenna Laine, Evans could be a candidate for an extension.
"The franchise's all-time leading scorer is at the top of the list, but Evans has to decide if he wants to play another season at 33," Laine wrote. "He has another year left on the $52 million deal he signed in March 2024, but Evans has missed nine games this season because of injuries (hamstring strain, broken collarbone and a concussion).
"In his first game back this past Thursday from the broken collarbone injury, Evans finished with a season-high 132 receiving yards on six receptions."
More: Where do Bucs land in latest power rankings after Falcons collapse?
Should Buccaneers extend Evans?
Set to be a free agent at the end of the season, the question of what to do with Evans is a tough one to answer.
Given that this season has basically been a wash due to injury, there isn't much wear and tear on Mike's body, which factors into it, as does his price tag. Could you still envision the Buccaneers paying Evans $15 to $20 million APY next season? Given what he's done for the franchise, absolutely.
Also, with Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan as your top three weapons without Evans, there is plenty of ammunition for Mayfield in the passing game.
So, what the Buccaneers decide to do with Evans will be a fascinating watch over the coming months, as it appears all options are on the table.
More Buccaneers news:
- Baker Mayfield shoulders blame for Buccaneers' collapse against Falcons
- Bucky Irving's frustrating lack of usage near goal line explained by Bucs reporter
- Todd Bowles points finger after Bucs' loss to Falcons and it wasn't at the coaches
- Buccaneers vs. Falcons final score, results: Kirk Cousins, Falcons storm back from 14-point deficit to shock Buccaneers