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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Should the Jets trade for this Pro Bowl WR?

By Matthew Neschis | Last updated 9/1/23

The New York Jets are in need of another weapon on offense, and it appears as though a highly decorated wideout may soon be up for grabs.

Wide receiver Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have seemingly reached a stalemate in contract talks as they try to reach a long-term agreement. On Friday morning, Evans' agent announced in a statement that the Buccaneers have until Sept. 9 — one day before the season opener — to hammer out a new deal, after which they would cut off negotiations.

While Evans has regularly preached his desire to remain in Tampa Bay and retire as a Buccaneer, the four-time Pro-Bowler additionally shared his backup plan if those wishes were to fall through.

“Mike wants the next phase of his career to be with an organization who wants him and wants him to help win a Super Bowl,” his agent, Deryk Gilmore, wrote in a press release.

Statement from Mike Evans’ agent @DerykGilmore of @Day1SportsEnt stating he’s “informed the #Buccaneers
organization that we will discontinue contract discussions” on Sept 9 after which “Mike’s focus will be on football and his future and where he can continue to make an impact.” pic.twitter.com/4XoTCjpjlu
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 1, 2023

The Jets are clearly in win-now mode following the offseason acquisition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the plethora of Super Bowl-aspiring players that accompanied him to New York. After recently signing a big-name free agent in running back Dalvin Cook, Gang Green could look to acquire another star talent through the trade market.

Corey Davis' unexpected departure from the NFL leaves the Jets thin at wide receiver. Though wide receiver Garrett Wilson is the clear-cut No. 1 option and has already developed a strong rapport with Rodgers, there is a stark dropoff to New York's other targets. As such, defenses may look to double-team the 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year to make him a non-factor in games.

The acquisition of Evans would not only take pressure off Wilson's shoulders but also provide a reliable, big target for Rodgers. The 6-foot-5 wideout is coming off his ninth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season and would immediately bring a brute physicality that's actively missing in the Jets' wide receiver room.

The Jets currently possess the fourth-highest cap space in the NFL with $20.38M, as well as plentiful amounts of draft capital in 2024 and 2025. When asked about acquiring playmakers down the road on Thursday, GM Joe Douglas emphasized the need to always be prepared.

"You just have to be ready when the opportunity comes," Douglas said. "You don't know who or when it's going to happen, but we have great flexibility moving forward if that opportunity does present itself."

An opportunity has suddenly presented itself. Now, the ball is in the Jets' court.

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