Cowboys rumors: Could Dallas trade for Bucs WR Mike Evans?
Rumors have circled that the Dallas Cowboys are in the trading market for a wide receiver. Dallas is looking to pair CeeDee Lamb up opposite another number-one receiver.
The Athletic reported that there was chatter about the Cowboys potentially making a "big move" for the wide receiver.
They think it's likely the team will target Odell Beckham Jr.
"There was some chatter about that possibility early last week, but it doesn’t sound likely. Well, that comes down to your opinion of a “big move.” If it’s trading for a star wide receiver like Stefon Diggs, DeAndre Hopkins or Mike Evans, don’t order your customized jerseys just yet. If signing Odell Beckham Jr. is considered a big move, it sounds like that’s still very much on the table."
On Friday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told the media not to dismiss them for signing a special free agent.
“Don’t dismiss us doing something special with the right veteran free agent. Any place. I would in a New York minute if I think that it fits a lot of what I’m sitting here talking about, if it fits more than a short-term situation for us.”
Could that special veteran be Odell Beckham Jr. or Mike Evans, or both?
According to ESPN, the best trade fit for Evans would be the Cowboys.
#Cowboys were named the best trade fit for #Buccaneers Mike Evans by ESPN https://t.co/rjViJTPgr2
Dallas also had some interest in OBJ towards the end of the season and were close to signing him but didn't due to his health. Jones might be referring to Beckham as a special free agent.
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is available for a trade and the Cowboys could possibly target him. Via Johnny Venerable, the Cowboys are monitoring his situation.
Rumors: The #Cowboys are monitoring the trade market for #Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins, per @JohnnyVenerable
Dallas wants to add a playmaker to their offense and Hopkins would make sense. https://t.co/UK6qxPVrfh
As the Buccaneers look to continue to clear cap space, Evans could be a possible option for Dallas.
Mike Evans trade rumors swirl but WR's cap hit could scupper move
On March 9, 2018, Mike Evans signed a five-year $82.5 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that included $55 million guaranteed.
Evans is in the last year of his deal and accounts for $23 million towards the cap this season. The Cowboys currently have the fifth-least cap space at -$16 million, and adding Evans would put them at -$39 million.
If you were trading for a veteran WR and regardless of price points, it would seem the list would be mostly here, I think:
Brandin Cooks, 29, $26.4m in 2023.
Stefan Diggs, 29, $26.5m (many years left)
Mike Evans, 29, $23m
DeAndre Hopkins, 30, $30m
Even at an age of 29, Evans is still one of the most productive and consistent wide receivers.
In 2022, he recorded 77 receptions for 1,124 yards and six touchdowns. The season before, he recorded a career-high 14 touchdown receptions. He has the most (9) consecutive 1,000-plus receiving yards to start an NFL career.
With Dak Prescott throwing to him, Mike Evans would likely reach his 10th season in a row of 1,000+ yards.