The New England Patriots are in need of some offensive playmakers, so it’s no surprise that they are considered one of the top potential suitors for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans.

Evans is slated to hit free agency this offseason and will be one of the top guys available on the open market. Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey expects the Patriots to be in hot pursuit of the star wide out.

Tansey mentions that New England could always try and draft Marvin Harrison Jr. if he is available with the third overall pick this April, but adds that that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t sign Evans, too. Or, they can sign Evans and then use the No. 3 selection to solidify another position.

Evans has spent the first decade of his NFL career with the Buccaneers and has logged 1,000-yard campaigns in each of his first 10 seasons.

This past year, the veteran caught 79 passes for 1,255 yards and a league-leading 13 receiving touchdowns en route to his fifth Pro Bowl selection.

Evans, who played his collegiate football at Texas A&M, was selected by Tampa Bay with the seventh overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.

His best season probably came in 2018, when he hauled in 86 receptions for 1,524 yards and eight scores.

Considering that the Pats ranked 30th in total offense and 28th in passing offense in 2023, bringing someone like Evans into the fold would certainly help matters.

Of course, the Patriots and other teams should be a bit cautious in terms of the type of contract they give Evans, as he is 30 years old and may begin to decline soon.

Regardless, Mike Evans will unquestionably be one of the most sought after free agents this spring.

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