Mike Evans’ hefty free-agent asking price coming into focus

Mike Evans is expected to head to free agency for the first time in his NFL career and he’s looking to get paid like the productive wide receiver that he’s been over the past decade. 

Evans will be the best receiver on the market when free agency opens and there are sure to be plenty of suitors for the receiver, he hasn’t ruled out going back to Tampa. 

However, considering what Evans is reportedly asking for, that could be tricky to pull off for the Buccaneers.

Evans is looking for a deal with an annual salary in the $25 million range, according to NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha. 

And that number could be even higher if other reports are to be believed. 

The Houston Chronicle reported last month that a deal for Evans could fall between $25 million and $30 million per year on a new contract. 

Evans has been one of the most consistent wide receivers having never failed to cross the 1,000 receiving marker over his 10 years in the league and he’s coming off one of the best seasons of his career. 

All that adds up to a hefty payday for the 31-year-old, which could put the Bucs – who have around $37 million in cap space — out of the running even though they’ve expressed a desire to bring Evans back. 

The interest is sure to be there for Evans, who had 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and a career-best 13 touchdowns, and it appears there is a certain criteria for his next destination. 

Deryk Gilmore, Evans’ agent, told Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report that Evans is looking to play with an “elite” quarterback. 

“Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him — and be paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a key priority,” Gilmore said over the weekend.

Given that criteria, the Jets could be a top option with Aaron Rodgers under center.

The Post’s Brian Costello reported after the trade deadline that the Jets made multiple inquiries about Evans, but the Buccaneers were not interested in dealing him.