The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans had a hard time deciding whether he wants to hit free agency and explore other franchises or continue with the Bucs.
While the WR was contemplating signing up with a new team, it was his wife’s words which ultimately persuaded him that remaining in Tampa was the best choice for him.
Mike Evans discusses wife’s involvement in Bucs contract renewal
Mike Evans has officially re-signed with the Buccaneers on Friday. Reportedly, the WR has signed a two-year contract with a base value of $41 million and a possible maximum of $52 million.
Evans shared that it was his wife, Ashli who convinced him to stay in Tampa. “I don’t want to say I was waiting for my wife to speak up, but she just planted it,’’ the WR said on Friday.
He emphasized that he was still thinking and contemplating multiple factors, but his wife was sure that playing with the Bucs would be the right decision.
“These things are just like day and night. You have to think about it. We were thinking, and it just hit her and she said, ‘Maybe we should stay in Tampa, babe.’”
Despite Mike Evans wanting to explore the free agency world that he never entered, he opted to act upon his wife’s advice. He also emphasized that he wanted to play in Bucs with Baker Mayfield.
“I mean, I wanted to be in Tampa, and they offered me great money. It wasn’t about the money. I just wanted to see everything as a whole, and if we were going to get Baker [Mayfield] back and things like that. But I know I can play with whoever is at quarterback. Obviously, I hope it’s Baker.’’
Mike Evans is considered one of the best WRs in the league. He is the only player to begin his career with 10 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Thanks to his wife, Ashli, the Bucs won’t lose such a talented player for the upcoming season.
Mike Evans gives his opinion on Baker Mayfield’s Bucs future
While Mike Evans has decided to continue with the Bucs, the future of the QB Baker Mayfield is still uncertain. On Monday, the negotiations period will begin, and other NFL teams will be allowed to contact Mayfield.
Despite that, Evans is confident that the QB will re-sign with the Bucs. He emphasized that he is extremely confident that Baker Mayfield will be back in Tampa Bay.
“I mean, I’m extremely confident,” Mike Evans said. “I’m not 100 percent, but he played really great for us last year, the city took him in, the players loved him — hopefully we get him back. But he should do what’s best for him.”
The WR also shared that he is confident that he and Baker can together perform better.
“Me and Baker, we played one season together. I feel like we can build on what we did last year, so hopefully we get him back.”
Evans appreciated Mayfield for his performance last year and his football prowess emphasizing that he is sure everyone will come up with a better solution.
“He’s a hell of a player. I appreciate him. They’re going to handle their process, and I trust [GM] Jason [Licht] and the front office no matter what happens.”
Mike Evans also said that in case Mayfield doesn’t return, “I know I can play with whoever’s at quarterback. Obviously, I hope it’s Baker, but if not, I can make it work.”
As far as Baker Mayfield’s decision is concerned, he is reportedly contemplating opting for free agency. He was at New York Yankees spring training Friday and told YES Network he would take his free agency “one day at a time.”
It remains to be seen whether Baker Mayfield will follow a similar path to Mike Evans and return to play in Tampa, or if he will opt to join another NFL team this time around.
