Bucs Restructure Mike Evans Contract

The Buccaneers have been one of the biggest topics during this offseason as they load up for what many assume is a Super Bowl run (or two) under Tom Brady. The many additions made have put them in a precarious Cap position, however, according to reports, wide receiver Mike Evans has agreed to restructure his contract, freeing up about $9.5 million for a team cap-strapped.

With roster movement upon us, three teams created notable 2020 cap space by converting a veteran’s base salary into a signing bonus, per source:
▪️Buccaneers: $9.5M created via Mike Evans
▪️49ers: $9.5M created via Dee Ford
▪️Steelers: $3.85M created via David DeCastro

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 5, 2020

The Bucs extended their 2014 first-round selection prior to the 2018 season with a five-year, $82.5 million contract. At the time, it made him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league and deservedly so. At the time, the future on offense looked to be centered around Jameis Winston and Evans, however, plans change and circumstances change. Now, the Bucs are looking at a potential Super Bowl run with Brady under center.

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Freeing up cap space doesn’t necessarily mean they are about to make another signing or two. In fact, this is more about the signings they have already made and the extensions that could be coming in the near future. Plus, it is always good to have a little flexibility during the season. Prior to this restructuring, they didn’t have much. Adding Leonard Fournette didn’t help the cause either.

The extra money Bucs now have under the salary cap isn’t for any splash signing — they will need it to cover any guys on injured reserve, practice squad and Fournette.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 5, 2020

Since entering the league in 2014, Evans has six-straight seasons of over 1,000 yards receiving, including 1,157 yards in just 13 games a year ago. For his career, he averages 77 receptions for over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns a year. How that changes with Brady under center and with the plethora of weapons on offense remains to be seen but like many on this Bucs team, they would likely sacrifice a little personal success for a win in February.