The possibility of Mike Evans returning to his hometown of Houston has been a topic of discussion as the NFL free agency approaches. Joe has identified Houston as a potential contender for Evans, given his ties to the area, having grown up near Galveston and attended Texas A&M close to Houston.
With the recent success of the Houston team, particularly with quarterback C.J. Stroud and a promising young receiving corps, Joe sees it as a natural fit for Evans. The idea is that Evans could bring his veteran presence and Super Bowl-winning experience to a playoff team.
This speculation gained attention in a recent article by Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, who highlighted the ongoing discussions about the Texans pursuing Evans. The buzz intensified when Evans was seen at a Rockets game, further fueling the rumors.
However, Alexander acknowledges the potential hurdle of the Texans being unable to meet Evans’ financial expectations. League sources suggest that Evans is seeking a contract worth $25 million or more per year, putting him among the top-paid receivers in the NFL. Alexander points out that the Texans might find it challenging to afford such a deal, even though adding Evans could significantly elevate their offense.
While the prospect of Evans joining the Texans is intriguing, the primary obstacle appears to be financial constraints. Evans is considered one of the top-tier receivers, and his market value aligns with other elite players like Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams, who command multimillion-dollar contracts.
Despite the hometown appeal, Alexander leans towards the likelihood of Evans staying with the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers, having invested in Evans over the years, are well-positioned to re-sign him. Additionally, NFL teams typically don’t allow premier wide receivers to leave without gaining something in return.
As Evans contemplates his next move and explores potential suitors, Joe is optimistic that the recent developments in the Buccaneers, including the hiring of Liam Coen and the potential retention of Baker Mayfield, might influence Evans to stay with the team that has been his football home.
