The Facts: Evans will turn 30 in August and is in the final year of his contract. He has not only been a model of consistency with an NFL record nine straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start his career, he’s an unselfish player at a position not known for that quality. Evans counts $23,698,500 against the 2023 salary cap. Part of that is the result of his willingness to restructure in order to give the Bucs more salary-cap space. But now it’s time for Evans to receive his third contract from the Bucs. Those talks have already begun, and there is a willingness on both sides to get something done this summer.

Diehards Line: A year ago, the Bucs signed receiver Chris Godwin to a three-year, $60 million contract with $40 million guaranteed. That was with Godwin coming off two torn knee ligaments. What would a new contract for Evans look like? The best comparison may be Davante Adams. He signed a five-year, $140 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders with $65.67 million guaranteed. Adams has 9,637 career receiving yards and 87 touchdowns. Evans has 10,425 career receiving yards and 81 TDs. But it’s important to note that Adams played eight seasons with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, and one with Derek Carr and the Raiders. Evans’ roll call of quarterbacks wasn’t nearly as prolific until the final three seasons with Tom Brady. But he’s been willing to share the wealth with players such as Godwin, Antonio Brown and tight end Rob Gronkowski/ There’s much work to do, but a new contract should be coming this summer that should allow Evans to retire as a Buccaneer.