While some NFL stars are getting franchise tagged and released, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is out here getting paid.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Evans has agreed to a 5-year, $82.5 million contract extension with the Bucs which includes $55 million guaranteed. The deal, which runs through the 2023 season, is one of the richest ever for a wide receiver and is reportedly worth a maximum of a little less than $96 million.
Evans also announced the news on instagram, "I’m excited to announce I will be spending the next several seasons in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers with one goal in mind: winning a Super Bowl with my teammates."
According to CBS Sports, Evans will average $18 million per season in the first three years of the contract extension, making him the second-highest paid receiver in the league behind Pittsburgh Steelers star Antonio Brown.
"Evans earns $18 million in salary and bonus in 2018, and then would have a cash flow of $20 million in 2019, $18.72 million in 2020, $12.25 million in 2021, $14 million in 2022 and $14,5 million in 2023."
The 24-year old wide receiver, who was drafted seventh overall out of Texas A&M in 2014, has eclipsed the 1,000 yard receiving mark in each of his first four seasons, despite Tampa Bay's lack of offensive firepower. He had his best season in 2016 when he caught 96 passes for 1,321 yards and 12 touchdowns en route to his one and only Pro Bowl selection.
The Bucs finished last in the NFC South in 2017 with a 5-11 record. They will pick seventh in the upcoming NFL Draft.