Despite already having talented receivers like Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and recently re-signing Demarcus Robinson, the Los Angeles Rams were still interested in bolstering their wide receiver depth. They were reportedly considering pursuing Mike Evans to further enhance their roster.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Evans was on the radar of the Los Angeles Rams as a potential free-agent acquisition before he decided to extend his contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Had Evans entered free agency, the Rams were prepared to engage in a competitive bidding process against other interested teams to secure his services.
Ultimately, Evans opted to remain with the Buccaneers, signing a lucrative two-year deal worth $52 million, with $35 million guaranteed. As part of the agreement, the Super Bowl 55 champion will receive a fully guaranteed salary of $23 million for the 2024 season.
Why the Los Angeles Rams wanted Mike Evans
Mike Evans stands as one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL, displaying remarkable consistency even as he approaches his 30s. With five Pro Bowl selections to his name, Evans has maintained a streak of surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in each of his 10 seasons, setting a standard for reliability in the league.
In the previous season, Evans continued his impressive performance, tallying 79 receptions for 1,255 receiving yards and a league-leading 13 touchdowns across 17 regular-season games. His contributions extended into the postseason, where he secured 11 receptions for 195 yards and one touchdown in two playoff appearances.
As the most prolific wide receiver in the history of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Evans has amassed a total of 11,680 receiving yards, a staggering 4,990 yards more than his closest teammate, Chris Godwin.
The prospect of pairing Evans with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua undoubtedly posed a formidable challenge for opponents of the Los Angeles Rams. However, with Evans opting to remain with the Buccaneers, the Rams may need to explore other avenues, whether through free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft, to bolster their wide receiver corps.
Other WR options for the Los Angeles Rams
Should the Los Angeles Rams opt to enhance their offensive arsenal through the NFL Draft, they might need to consider trading up from their current No. 19 pick to secure standout prospects like Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, or Brian Thomas Jr. This strategy could potentially enable them to acquire top-tier talent to bolster their receiving corps.
Alternatively, the Rams could explore the possibility of bringing back Odell Beckham Jr., should he be available in free agency, or they could evaluate other options such as Calvin Ridley, who is also a free agent. These avenues provide the Rams with opportunities to add established talent to their roster without the need for draft maneuvering.
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