Mike Evans during an NFL game at Raymond James Stadium^ Dec 12^ 2021; Tampa^ FL

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver has agreed to a reported two-year, $52 million extension with $35 million guaranteed.  According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the $26 million per season salary “is the largest for a wide receiver this old on his third contract.” Alluding to the news, Evans posted to Instagram on Monday: “Fire Them Cannons!” 

The five-time Pro Bowl receiver, who was to enter free agency next week, looks to finish his career as a “Buc for life” in Tampa. Evans entered the league in 2014 after being selected No. 7 overall out of Texas A&M, and in each of his 10 NFL seasons he’s recorded at least 67 receptions and at least 1,000 receiving yards, making him the first wide receiver in NFL history to hit 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 10 seasons. He’s also the second receiver to record 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons, second to Jerry Rice.  In 2023, he caught the third-most balls (79), registered the third-most receiving yards (1,255) and posted the second-most touchdowns (13) of his career.

Evans totaled 762 catches for 11,680 yards and 94 scores through his first 154 NFL appearances. He totaled a career-high 96 catches in 2016 and reached a career-best 1,524 receiving yards in 2018. Evans won a Super Bowl alongside former Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady in 2021.

Editorial credit: Steve Jacobson / Shutterstock.com