Steelers Might Be The Perfect Fit for A Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Who Could Be Traded In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have added another potential trade target to their list coming from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mike Evans has his contract set to expire in 2024, making him a looming free agent. However, if Evans were to leave the Buccaneers during the upcoming spring, the team would not receive a substantial compensatory pick in return. Due to the regulations outlined in the collective bargaining agreement, Tampa Bay's maximum compensation for Evans can be no more than that of a fifth-round draft pick, as he will have completed a decade in the NFL by the end of this season.

The Buccaneers made a wise decision when they chose to draft Evans from Texas A&M as the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Ever since then, Evans has consistently demonstrated his exceptional abilities on the field. Not once has he failed to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, but he has also achieved double-digit touchdown catches in four different years. 

This remarkable performance has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a four-time Pro Bowler. Furthermore, Evans played a crucial role in leading the Buccaneers to their Super Bowl victory in the 2020 season, proving his immense value to the team. 

Early in their game against the Chicago Bears, Evans showcased his outstanding agility as he maneuvered down the field, executing what appeared to be a curl route. With impeccable timing, he cleverly managed to create a gap between himself and the defender in order to gain the upper hand. Anticipating the play, Evans caught the ball from Baker Mayfield, securing possession at the midpoint of the field and then took off down the field. His run was halted just a few yards shy of the end zone, as he was pushed out of bounds and came to a stop at the seven-yard line within the Bears' territory.

Mayfield spoke highly of Evans after their 27-17 win over the Bears, going on to say,

“You saw a couple of contested catches there, and just plays after the catch as well," Mayfield said. He’s a stud. He’s the best go-ball runner versus off-coverage in the league."

Despite the disappointment of their Week 1 loss, the Steelers remain steadfast in their belief in the team's abilities, bolstered by the presence of their coach, Mike Tomlin. As they prepare for their upcoming Monday night game, the Steelers have set their sights on a primary goal for this season: to provide optimal conditions for the success of their second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Pickett, who had an impressive collegiate career, has already displayed promising signs in his rookie year as becoming a successful NFL quarterback.