Mike Evans was open to the idea of playing with Patrick Mahomes two years ago. Perhaps he's up for exploring the notion once again.
Two years ago, Evans admitted that he had seriously considered the Kansas City Chiefs the last time he hit free agency before signing a two-year, $41 million deal to remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also admitted the Houston Texans were in the running, but that familial concerns led him to stay with the team that drafted him instead of making a move to a new market.
Evans is now two years older, which will make him 33 years old in August. He's also coming off an injury-plagued year in which he missed half the season with a concussion and clavicle issue. Evans ended the year with only 30 catches for 368 yards and 3 touchdowns. Such signs might bring up "buyer beware" concerns, but anyone who watched Evans late last season knows he's still an incredibly productive receiver.
Free agency is now in Evans' future once again, and while it's possible he'll decide to call it a career after putting up Hall of Fame-worthy numbers over the last 12 years, his agent's (Deryk Gilmore) most recent statement makes it seem like he's going to be back next season.
Mike Evans showcased an interest before in joining the Chiefs, and perhaps the Buccaneers star is up for considering them again.
"Mike started the season in great shape. Most people in the organization said he probably had the best camp of everyone. He finished feeling better than he has in several seasons. I think his competitive nature leads to more football. That is my hope. Like most fans, I love watching him play."
Evans made plenty of sense for the Chiefs two years ago, and he looks like an even more important target now. The Chiefs' youthful receiver corps has yet to turn the corner, as both Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy turned in seasons that failed to live up to their potential. Their positional coach, Connor Embree, was sent packing, and veteran Chad O'Shea was hired in his place, but adding such a storied vet could work wonders as an leader on and off the field.
More importantly, Evans' imposing physical presence (6'5, 230 lbs.) is something the Chiefs lack on the offensive side. The roster's deficit of dynamism could use a proven playmaker like Evans, and in concert with other expected changes, could reinvigorate things for Andy Reid and company.
None of this matters, of course, if Evans is intent on finishing his career where he started. Maybe that's the play. But if K.C. was close a couple of years ago, it's possible the questions of what might have been still linger in his mind. The Chiefs can only hope the spark is still there—both for Evans to play and to ponder the possibility of playing away from Tampa Bay.