Suddenly Good News :Tampa Bay Buccaneers Have A Great Contract Signed $287.1 million…
For one of the best wide receivers available in the free agent class, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be the perfect destination.
The Buccaneers are seen by CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell as one of the “best” three teams for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman. After having the finest season of his career, Pittman will make his first career entry into free agency. The 26-year-old is coming off of the 2023 season, which saw a career-high 109 catches.
Pittman, who is comparable in stature to 6-foot-5, 231-pound Mike Evans, would be a suitable substitute if Evans decides to sign with another team, according to Podell.
“The 6-foot-4, 223-pound target is undoubtedly essential to the Colts’ quarterback Anthony Richardson’s development,” Podell writes. On the other hand, there will be many suitors if he isn’t franchise-tagged and goes on the free market. Along with Nico Collins and Tank Dell, the division foe Houston Texans could use a reliable third receiver, and they have over $50 million in salary space going into the summer. Pittman would also be a logical choice to take the place of the player higher on this list in Tampa Bay.
Podell also predicts that Pittman would agree to a $90.9 million, four-year deal with an average value of $22.7 million. In terms of average yearly value, that would place Pittman as the ninth-highest paid receiver in the league.
Pittman recorded 1,152 receiving yards and tied for sixth place in the NFL in catches during the previous campaign. Pittman ranked among the top-graded starting receivers last season with an 80.0 receiving grade and 77.7 offensive grade, according Pro Football Focus. Among all receivers, Pittman placed 21st in receiving grade and 28th in offensive grade.
Evans, in contrast, had somewhat higher marks the previous season, with an offensive grade of 81.5 and a receiving grade of 83.0.
The Reasons the Buccaneers Should Re-Sign Mike Evans First..
Evans, who is rated as the second-best free agent wide receiver after Pittman at No. 3, is expected to get a slightly bigger four-year, $95.3 million contract worth $23.8 million on average, according to Podell. Based on average yearly value, Evans would be the eighth-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL as a result.
Naturally, the Buccaneers’ first choice is to re-sign Evans. After Tom Brady’s retirement, the seasoned receiver is coming off a breakout year. Evans caught 79 passes from Baker Mayfield, accumulating 1,255 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. For the first season in his career, Evans led the league in touchdowns and finished ninth in receiving yards.
In free agency, Evans will not, however, be short on suitors. As the “best” options for Evans, in reality, Podell names the Carolina Panthers, who appointed Dave Canales, Evans’ former offensive coordinator, as head coach, and the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions.