Mike Evans ‘plans to hit free agency’ – could Tom Brady’s old friend end leave the Buccaneers and join the Chiefs to bolster Patrick Mahomes’ receiving corps?

Mike Evans will reportedly explore his options in free agency this offseason, and a number of teams are expected to be interested in the star wide receiver.

Evans, who won Super Bowl LV in 2021 with Tom Brady on the Bucs, made history last season when he became the first player to reach 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 10 seasons.

And with one major contract likely remaining in the 30-year-old’s career, he has decided to join free agency for the first time, according to Diana Russini of athletics.

Russini wrote on

Evans’ agent Deryk Gilmore, meanwhile, shared the story Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report that “Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that puts the spotlight on him — and get paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a top priority.”

He teamed with Tom Brady to win Super Bowl LV over the Chiefs in 2021

Schultz said Evans is expected to draw interest from several teams.

Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield – who is entering his seventh season – is having the best year of his career.

The Bucs also had a better season than expected after Brady’s retirement, as they reached the divisional round of the playoffs before losing to the Lions.

But as Evans explores his options, it’s worth thinking about where the five-time Pro Bowler could end up.

If winning a Super Bowl is his priority, as his agent said, it would be foolish not to consider the Chiefs if there is mutual interest.

Patrick Mahomes led the team to a second straight Super Bowl victory despite – and not because of – the team’s weak wide receiver corps, which recorded the most drops in the NFL (44) in the regular season.

Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to a second straight Super Bowl despite the team’s weak WRs

However, rookie Rashee Rice began to establish himself as a star in the passing game as the season progressed, while Travis Kelce remains a huge threat at tight end.

With Spotrac planning a $95.3 million deal for Evans over four years – and Kansas City having to pay big to keep Chris Jones – it’s certainly questionable whether they would want to drop the money on Evans.

Currently, the Chiefs are projected by Spotrac to be less than $13 million under the salary cap.

Among other contenders, the Ravens may want to give Lamar Jackson a true No. 1 target, while the Cowboys may want to create a one-two punch with CeeDee Lamb after another disappointing playoff exit.

Either way, whoever lands Evans will get one of the best receivers in the game.