March 4, 2024   3 MIN READ

All-Pro Returns

NFL Roundup: Evans Remains in Tampa; Wilson Released; Corners Set to Hit Market

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With a week to go until free agency begins, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of one of their many key players scheduled to hit the open market.

All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans has agreed to a two-year deal to remain with the team that drafted him in 2014.

Mike Evans

The move allows Tampa to franchise tag emerging safety Antoine Winfield Jr. if necessary and keeps a key weapon in their negotiations to bring back quarterback Baker Mayfield after a resurgent 2023 season that saw the team reach the divisional round of the NFC playoff field. 

The 30-year-old Evans is coming off a season with a league-leading 13 touchdowns to go with 1,255 yards. He is the only wideout in history to tally over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 10 seasons.

Wilson Era Over

After two rough seasons with the Denver Broncos, the team is releasing quarterback Russell Wilson.

Wilson was acquired in a blockbuster trade for two first rounders and multiple players, after which he signed a five-year $245 million extension.

But neither the deal nor expectations were lived up to. In 2022, the Broncos finished last in points per game at 16.9 on the way to a 5-12 record. A slight improvement to 21.0 and 8-9 under new Head Coach Sean Payton in 2023 was not enough for a playoff berth.

Wilson was ultimately benched with two games remaining of the ‘23 season, finishing his Broncos tenure with 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions across two seasons. 

Now, the Broncos take a massive dead money hit while Wilson enters the free agent market for the first time in his career, competing with Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, and Baker Mayfield as currently available QBs alongside at least four quarterbacks who are expected to go in the first round of the 2024 draft.

Non-Exclusive

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on L’Jarius Sneed.

Unlike a regular franchise tag, this rarely used clause allows the 27-year-old cornerback to negotiate with any team. If a contract agreement is reached, the Chiefs can either match it or let him walk for two first round picks. This was used last offseason on two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson who eventually returned to the Baltimore Ravens on a long-term deal.

The move keeps flexibility for both sides. If Sneed finds an offer he likes better than Kansas City’s, the Chiefs can work out proper trade compensation in exchange.

While Sneed has been a key piece to a Chiefs defense that has won back-to-back Super Bowls, GM Brett Veach has always shown a willingness to part with a player for the right price.

Jackson Released

Another starting cornerback is entering the open market.

Donte Jackson is expected to exit the Carolina Panthers via a release or trade, per ESPN.

The 28-year-old was taken in the second round of the 2018 draft, spending six years with the team. 

While Jackson has been known to make plays, nabbing multiple interceptions each season from 2018-22, availability has been his biggest concern.

His 2023 season, in which he only missed one game, was his healthiest since his rookie year. 

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.

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