We are certainly at a crossroads with our WR. We have two veterans who are overpaid based on last years production. Are we keeping both of them??? I can't see a world where we do and stay true to the future of this franchise.
Evans will probably be offered a two year contract worth North of 25 million a year.
Godwin has some trade suitors but, given that he could have signed anywhere last off-season and chose to stay here, I can't see a scenario where we trade him unless he approves of the destination.
So my guess is, Evans is gone. And our room is Chris Godwin and three rookies, all of whom have shown veteran presence in their brief careers.
McMillan in particular has been spectacular given we tried to kill him in the pre-season last year.
Evans being gone wouldn't shock me a bit. He said he wants to go to a contender. Whether he thinks we're a contender is up to him but I don't think we are. Not with bowles as our hc.
*meant to say, three wr on rookie contracts...
Evans - had a washed year, 368 yards in 8 games which wouldn't have eclipsed 800 yards if you pro-rate the entire year. He had a serious injury coupled with his lingering hamstring issues. He is entering age 33 season. If anything, i expect it to be 2 years worth $25M in total to $30M total range.
There is no way he is getting $25m per year. And if i had to bet, the Bucs have the nostalgia/family factor when it comes to Mike Evans and will remember him for being a mount Rushmore Buccaneer. Other teams are going to look more at him being a shell of his former self so it really depends on what Evans values.....A) Legacy and Money or B) let me win another ring as a support role player
i'd probably choose A but this year does seem different than free agency 2 years ago. I hope he signs with us because he's a difference maker (in our eyes)
Godwin - another guy with a washed year and has likely no trade value. It's better we keep him. if we had to choose one, im taking Evans but i think we should keep both
McMillian - he is another neck injury away from retirement so would tread lightly anointing him an every down player. Didnt he get hurt his rookie year as well?
Egbuka - disappeared in the 2nd half of the season and had little to nothing to do with targets. Here's hoping he is actually the guy from the first half but a question mark
all said and done, if we want to do any damage in playoffs, you need all 4 guys. Thinking you can survive without Evans would be erroneous. I know i called him washed last year because thats what the numbers and injuries suggest, but he is still our #1 guy.
No point hitting the reset button when you have a very good group between vets and youth.
Bucs need to focus on helping other positions in need (OL, TE, DL, ILB, EDGE, DB).
