Mike Evans signing should signal the end of a veteran's tenure in Tampa Bay
The news on Monday morning of Mike Evans agreeing to a new contract with the Buccaneers will make just about everybody across Tampa Bay giddy. Unless your name is Russell Gage, that is. With Evans back in the fold, the writing could be on the wall that Gage's time with the Buccaneers is coming to an […]
The news on Monday morning of Mike Evans agreeing to a new contract with the Buccaneers will make just about everybody across Tampa Bay giddy.
Unless your name is Russell Gage, that is.
With Evans back in the fold, the writing could be on the wall that Gage's time with the Buccaneers is coming to an end. As A to Z Sports' Evan Winter notes, the Buccaneers will save a substantial figure in cap space by releasing Gage.
Gage was one of the Bucs' big 2022 offseason signings, coming over from the division rival Atlanta Falcons. He agreed to a 3-year, $30 million contract on March 15, 2022, with $20 million guaranteed.
However, Gage has failed to provide the most basic and important ability to a team during his two years in Tampa Bay: availability. While he notched a career-high five touchdowns in 2022, he missed four games with a hamstring injury.
His 2023 season unfortunately ended before it started during the preseason. During the team's joint practice with the New York Jets on August 16, Gage suffered a torn patellar tendon, which ended his season.
While injuries are a part of the game, the team discovered in Gage's absence that they actually have a very capable number three wide receiver in 2023 rookie Trey Palmer out of Nebraska. Palmer was one of the pleasant surprises of the season for the Bucs, catching 39 passes for 385 yards and 3 touchdowns.
With Palmer's emergence, Gage has become completely expendable, especially at his high price tag. It might seem a bit unfair, but that's just the unfortunate and sometimes unforgiving reality of the NFL.
Baker Mayfield is essentially a lock to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after huge Mike Evans news
It's officially done: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Mike Evans have agreed to a two-year deal, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal is worth $52 million, in all, and it includes $35 million in guaranteed money. The $26 million average per year is just $1 million off from our own […]
