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Evans might have a hard time finding everything he wants

Mike Evans. Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Evans might a have hard time finding everything he wants in free agency

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 3/2/24

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans seems likely to test the free agent market for the first time in his career this offseason, and he seems to have a pretty extensive list of demands for the team signing him.

Those demands might seriously limit the number of teams that can acquire him. Even then, he still might not find everything he wants.

Evans' agent told NFL insider Jordan Schultz on Saturday morning that Evans wants to play with an elite quarterback, be paid like a top wide receiver, be a focal point of the offense and also compete for a championship.

Just spoke with Mike Evans’ agent, @DerykGilmore, who says: “Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him — and be paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a key priority.”

Evans is… https://t.co/HUC7dmlIWd
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 2, 2024

That is asking for a lot. Let's simply start off with the first ask on that list — the elite quarterback.

The first teams that come to mind would almost certainly be the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. Not only do both teams have elite quarterbacks (Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City and Josh Allen in Buffalo), but they also both have huge needs for an impact wide receiver.

Evans could definitely be a key part of either offense and dramatically upgrade either wide receiver group.

But would he be a showcase player in either offense?

As long as Travis Kelce is around in Kansas City he will be the favorite target of Mahomes.

Buffalo could give him the opportunity to be a focal point, especially if Stefon Diggs were to get traded this offseason.

They are also both among the best teams in the NFL and will enter the 2024 season among the top Super Bowl favorites in the league.

Where things get murky with these two teams is the salary cap situation and their ability to pay Evans the type of salary he would want. The Bills have the worst salary cap situation in the NFL entering the offseason, while the Chiefs are only about $9M under the cap.

Cincinnati has a great mix of elite quarterback, Super Bowl contender status and salary cap room, but has zero need for an impact wide receiver.

The Houston Texans have a rising superstar at quarterback in C.J. Stroud, will have sky-high expectations entering the season and also have more than $70M in cap space. That could make them a potential landing spot.

The Baltimore Ravens might also be an intriguing option as they are always in the market for quality wide receivers to surround quarterback Lamar Jackson with.

Those might be the best options for everything he wants. Some teams can give him the top dollar. Others can give him the elite quarterback and a chance to win. A few others could make him a focal point.

There are only a small handful that can give him all of that at the same time.

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