Experienced wide receiver Mike Evans has signed with the Detroit Lions.
When it comes to NFL cap space for 2024 free agency, the Detroit Lions rank seventh. As a result, pundits have linked the Lions to a number of stars who are anticipated to be available in NFL free agency. Perhaps the most unexpected relationship is with Mike Evans, a seasoned wide receiver.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine announced that Evans’ signing with the Lions was finalized during a mock free agency draft. Ballentine estimated Evans’s net worth for a four-year deal to be $95.3 million.
Ballentine wrote, “The good news is that the core of the team that led the 49ers by seven points at halftime in the NFC Championship Game will still be there in 2024.” “Free agency is significant for the team this year because they have a lot of cap space heading into the offseason.
“They ought to be searching for a couple of crucial players who can elevate them above the rest and enable them to compete for the NFC championship once more.
“Mike Evans is thirty years old, so that should not worry them. By adding a vertical threat to an already potent offense, he would greatly enhance Amon-Ra St. Brown’s playmaking abilities.”
Not to be overlooked, Ballentine predicted that Evans would sign with the Lions. Instead, in what he referred to as a “done deal,” Ballentine linked the team to Evans.
During the exercise, the teams were arranged according to cap space, and free agency operated similarly to the draft. After that, each team was allowed to select one player.
Ballentine ranked Evans, who inked an $82.5 million, five-year contract with the Lions in 2018, at No. 7.
Evans has recorded 762 receptions, 11,680 receiving yards, and 94 touchdowns in 10 NFL seasons. In the 2023 season, he had the most receiving touchdowns (13) in the NFL.
He also had 1,255 receiving yards and 79 catches in 2023.
To put it simply and hypothetically, Evans offense in Detroit would undoubtedly be frightening. Last season, opposing defenses found it difficult to contain the elusive Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta.
The Lions passing attack would have historic potential if they added Evans, who has averaged 15.3 yards all around.
Ballentine wrote, “St. Brown is an excellent receiver in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field.” “Evans would take the spotlight off of Jameson Williams, a former first-round pick with breakout potential in 2024, and instantly establish himself as the team’s best vertical threat.”
Evans’ arrival may also enable Jameson Williams to continue improving gradually for the Lions rather than pressing him into the starting lineup in 2024.
Detroit placed second in yardage in 2023 with its passing offense. Furthermore, the unit ranked fourth in passing touchdowns and third in net yards per pass attempt.
Evans signing with the Lions is a very real possibility, as much fun as it would seem in Detroit. The Lions’ top priorities in free agency will likely be to address their needs at guard, cornerback, and edge rusher.
However, despite these requirements and $54.2 million in cap space, ESPN’s Eric Woodyard predicts that the Lions will not add any significant free agents to their roster this offseason.
“Despite the fact that each team’s salary cap will increase from $224.8 million to $30.6 million this year, Holmes has stated he will continue to be strategic and picky when it comes to identifying elite free agents,” wrote Woodyard.
In an ideal world, the Lions would select the best players in the draft, nurture them, and then re-sign them when their contracts are up for renewal.
In the NFL draft, the Lions are another team that many people have chosen to move up from No. 29. With four picks in the top 92, the Lions have the draft capital to move up for a prospect they think could help them contend for a championship right away.
That seems plausible too, though, given Woodyard’s prediction.
