NFL Rumors: Before going back to the Bucs, the Rams were interested in Mike Evans

The NFL’s free agency period is quickly approaching, with players able to sign contracts with other teams starting on March 13. However, until then, players have the option to sign contracts with their own teams. To the dismay of the Los Angeles Rams, All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are choosing this path.

Following one of his greatest seasons in his already Hall of Fame-worthy career, Evans was about to hit free agency. His career total of 1,255 yards was the third-highest; his 13 receiving touchdowns, which led the league, were the second-highest of his career. However, it was revealed on Monday that Evans will remain in Tampa Bay after agreeing to a two-year contract that included a $35 million guarantee and a maximum value of $52 million.
The 30-year-old wide receiver is asking for a high price, but considering that he has over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his ten NFL seasons, it is well worth it. And according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, that might have been a cost that a lot of teams—including the Rams—would have been prepared to bear:

Evans’ presence on the club would be advantageous to almost all NFL teams. That extends beyond the eight items on this list. However, Evans would have made an interesting addition to the Rams. Evans would have immediately been Matthew Stafford’s ideal deep threat as the other two All-Pros cover the middle of the field with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp in the mix.

This summer, the Rams also possessed the cap flexibility required to make a move similar to that. However, Evans’ whole professional career has been developed in Tampa Bay, where he also captured his lone Super Bowl victory. Staying makes all the difference, even though the Buccaneers probably won’t be able to contend for a Super Bowl in 2024. Evans finds that remaining makes perfect sense.
Puka Nacua of the Rams is one of Tyreek Hill’s top wide receivers.

Even though Nacua lost out to C.J. Stroud for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award, it is evident that in just one season, he has already gained the respect of his colleagues.

In fact, Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins, who is currently the finest receiver in the league, ranked Nacua among the top five receivers at the position, along with Mike Evans, Keenan Allen, A.J. Brown, and CeeDee Lamb.