BREAKING NEWS: The Los Angeles Rams sadly lost out on their desire to sign a wide receiver for $52 million.

The Los Angeles Rams were still trying to bolster their wide receiver depth even with Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Demarcus Robinson’s re-signing last week. They were apparently keeping an eye on Mike Evans.

Before deciding to remain longer in Tampa Bay, Evans was reportedly a free-agent target for the Los Angeles Rams, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The Los Angeles Rams would have gladly engaged in a hypothetical bidding war with many other clubs to get Evans’ signature if he had been available to sign. Of course, Evans agreed to stay with the team that selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by signing a two-year, $52 million contract with a $35 million guarantee. In 2024, the winner of Super Bowl 55 will get a $23 million guaranteed salary.
Why Mike Evans was desired by the Los Angeles Rams

Despite getting closer to his 30s, Mike Evans remains one of the top wide receivers in the NFL and has not shown any symptoms of slowing down. The ten-year NFL veteran, a five-time Pro Bowler, is a picture of consistency having accumulated at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his seasons.

In 17 regular-season games last season, the five-time Pro Bowler had 79 grabs for 1,255 receiving yards and a league-high 13 touchdowns. He caught 11 passes for 195 receiving yards and one touchdown in two playoff games during the postseason.

Given that his 11,680 total receiving yards are 4,990 more than the next-closest Buccaneer, teammate Chris Godwin (6,690), Evans is the most prolific wide receiver in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history.

Although the Los Angeles Rams’ opponents found it frightening to match Evans with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, they may have to seek elsewhere, either in free agency or the 2017 NFL Draft.