League’s Top-Scoring Wide Receiver Wants the Lions to Make a “Splash” Signing.
In 2023, the Detroit Lions boasted one of the league’s top passing games, combining the talents of explosive receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown with breakout rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. This dynamic offense brought the team close to its first-ever Super Bowl appearance. Despite potential financial constraints this offseason, an insider recommended that the Lions make a significant impact by acquiring one of the NFL’s most reliable receivers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Mike Evans.
Christian Booher from SI.com identified Evans as one of the Lions’ top three wide receiver targets for the offseason, acknowledging the expense but deeming it worthwhile. Evans has consistently excelled throughout his ten-year career, surpassing 1,000 yards in each season since being drafted in 2014. In the previous season, he recorded 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and led the league with 14 touchdowns.
Booher highlighted the potential synergy of pairing Evans with St. Brown, envisioning a formidable offensive advantage for the Lions. He described Evans as a perfect fit for the Lions’ offense, serving as an outside vertical threat that complements All-Pro slot receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Despite Evans expressing a desire to remain with Tampa, contract negotiations have stalled, making his entry into free agency seemingly certain. However, Booher cautioned that Evans’s projected annual contract of $23 million might be a steep price for the Lions.
If the Lions opt not to pursue Evans due to salary concerns, Booher suggested that Buffalo Bills receiver Gabe Davis could be a more affordable target. Despite Booher’s confidence in Evans hitting free agency, recent reports indicate that the Buccaneers are actively working to retain him. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler revealed on February 25 that the Buccaneers are making a substantial effort to keep Evans, who desires to retire with the team. Nonetheless, as of February 19, negotiations between Evans and the Buccaneers were reportedly far from reaching an agreement, potentially leading Evans towards free agency.
Earlier concerns by Tampa ownership about investing heavily in Evans, especially after a significant cap hit for a Super Bowl run with Tom Brady, may have diminished with the team’s unexpected success led by Baker Mayfield, securing a third consecutive division title and potentially altering their rebuilding plans.
