At the conclusion of the previous season, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane gave his customary caution regarding free agency, stating that the team would not be making any major or eye-catching acquisitions.
But one of the best wide receivers about to enter the free agency market might find a home with the Bills despite the salary cap squeeze that will probably prevent any huge contracts. The Pro Bowl player’s wish list for a new team was revealed by his agent for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, and the Bills fit almost all of his ideal requirements.
The current comments may increase the Bills’ chances of acquiring Evans, who has previously been linked to the team by certain sources.
Mike Evans Desires to Join a Contender
According to NFL writer Jordan Schultz, Evans’ agency is establishing the rules for Evans’ future team, and the Bucs have already blown past their own February deadline to re-sign Evans.
Agent Deryk Gilmore informed Schultz that Mike “wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him— and be paid like a top wide receiver.” “He’d rather not play alongside a young quarterback. Super Bowl victory is a top priority.
While a number of organizations are anticipated to target Evans in free agency, Schultz pointed out that the Bills may be the most suitable fit for his requirements. With Josh Allen as their quarterback of choice and Stefon Diggs finishing the season in a significant slump, the Bills offense may be searching for a new No. 1 receiver. Due of his drop issues, Diggs missed his past seven games without a touchdown, which was the longest scoreless streak in his career.
The Bills have advanced to at least the divisional stage of the playoffs in each of the previous four seasons, making them a strong candidate for the Super Bowl. The compensation is the primary area of contention because the Bills are about $40 million above the salary limit and would have to do some major budgetary juggling to find the money to pay Evans on par with elite wide receivers.
Evans is already seen to be a solid match for the Bills by some. Although the Buccaneers eventually elected to keep Evans in place as they concluded the season with an NFC South title, ESPN NFL expert Dan Graziano projected last season that the Bills would be a priority trade destination if they decided to transfer Evans at the deadline.
The Bills would have to either make some significant trades to clear salary space or persuade Evans to accept a lesser contract in order to get Evans. According to some insiders, the Bills may make some more modest moves in free agency, aiming to add a proven veteran on a lesser contract in the second tier.
Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report speculated that the Bills might pair Diggs with the rapidly developing receiver Khalil Shakir, as well as locate a trustworthy target.
Tansey stated, “Shakir improved in 2023, but at this point in time, he is best suited for the slot and No. 3 roles on the depth chart, and not as Diggs’ primary backup.” “To bolster Diggs, Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, and Dawson Knox in the passing attack, Buffalo should consider the second tier of wide receiver free agents.”
Sports writer Nathan Dougherty writes about the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills for Heavy.com. In the past, he worked as an associate editor for the sports trade publications Coaching Management, Athletic Management, and Training & Conditioning in addition to writing for the Rochester Business Journal. Based in Rochester, New York, he has an intense passion for all things football. Additional information on Nathan Dougherty
