Mike Evans ends Kansas City Chiefs hopes after agreeing two-year Buccaneers extension

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The Kansas City Chiefs could tap into the free agency market as they search for a wide receiver to add to their core.

During the early stages of the season, the Chiefs receiving core struggled with numerous penalties and dropped passes.

Mistakes like this were part of the reason why the offense did not look as fluid in recent seasons and found themselves in the wildcard round for the first time in the Mahomes era.

Rashee Rice was a glowing talent in his first season and looks set for a fundamental role in the Chiefs’ offense.

Now, with Marquez Valdes-Scantling released last week, the franchise may look to free agency for another answer.

Mike Evans will no longer become a free agent

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver, Mike Evans, was due to free agency after a decade with his rookie team.

Evans has been one of the most consistent receivers of the last 10 years and will be a desirable asset for any team.

Being a five-time Pro Bowler and never having one season producing under 1,000 yards, means he will cost a high price.

Evans was believed to be in search of one last payday and most importantly, a second Super Bowl ring. The 30-year-old was a colossal figure when the Bucs won their maiden ring back in 2021.

Evans has been linked with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency and whispers have talked about the idea of a link up with Patrick Mahomes.

However, he has now signed a deal to renew in Tampa. NFL.com reports he has agreed a two-year $52 million extension.

That would have been too rich for the Chiefs to compete with.

Evans secures payday at expense of another ring

Deryk Gilmore, the agent of Evans, had recently stated it is a ‘key priority’ for Evans to win a Super Bowl with his next team.

Additionally, the agent disclosed that he was looking to be ‘paid like a top receiver’.

Whilst being interviewed by Jordan Schultz, Evans’ agent explained his player’s thinking: “Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him — and be paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a key priority.”

Well, he has got one part down right, he has secured a big money contract.

But he has missed out on the best possible chance to secure another Super Bowl ring, as Tampa Bay are not set up for success.

Joining Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid would have been the best way to maximise his talent.

Bigger offseason matters

Much of the focus at the moment surrounds Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed.

Sneed has secured the franchise tag to increase trade value but Reid stated he hopes to have him in Kansas next season.

Jones seems to be set on securing a new deal worth $27 million.

The Chiefs do not have too much wiggle room in cap space numbers and Evans was demanding mouthwatering figures.

They have proved they do not need a top-tier receiver group to win a Super Bowl.

The WR draft class is filled with brilliant prospects, so in terms of numbers, it would be wise for the Chiefs to search there instead of free agency.