Jets Warned to Avoid $82.5 Million Veteran in Free Agency: ‘Risky’
The New York Jets are going to add more pass-catching talent this offseason. It isn’t a question of if but rather who.
According to Alex Kay of Bleacher Report, one player they should avoid during free agency is Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans.
“Mike Evans is one of the greatest receivers of his generation and remained an elite contributor during his age 30 season, but the savvy veteran could quickly start losing the battle against Father Time,” Kay explained in a column posted on Monday, January
Despite some impressive statistics Kay said “tiny cracks have been showing in the foundation” for Evans.
Evans is in the last year of his $82.5 million contract. The veteran wideout is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
The former Texas A&M standout had a pedestrian showing against Philadelphia on Super Wildcard Weekend. Evans finished with three receptions for 48 receiving yards, but he left a ton of meat on the bone.
One fan on X previously Twitter wrote, “Mike Evans will make some of the most unbelievable catches you’ll ever see but some of the worst drops as well.”
Despite a bad day at the office on the whole Evans has been spectacular this season. He finished the regular season with 79 receptions for 1,255 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. That TD total was tied for the league lead this season.
Kay said betting that Evans will be able to keep those numbers going through his next contract is a “risky endeavor.”
A Proven Veteran Addition Would Take Pressure off Jets WR Garrett Wilson
According to Spotrac, Evans is due for a big-time pay raise in free agency. His current contract paid him $16.5 million on average. That makes him the No. 14 highest-paid wide receiver in football, per Over The Cap.
