Winning the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year is never easy, even with a Kansas City Chiefs team led by Patrick Mahomes. If the franchise wants to make it three in a row, it must consider signing guys like Mike Evans in free agency.
Like the New England Patriots in 2004, the Chiefs entered last season as the defending champions. And pretty much like the aforementioned team, Kansas City won the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year in a row.
Kansas City Chiefs, Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jan 21, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) reacts against the Detroit Lions during the second half in a 2024 NFC divisional round game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
With a 15th-ranked offense and the second-best defense in the NFL, the Chiefs rose to the top of the AFC West division when the regular season concluded. They went on to overcome the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs before reaching the Super Bowl.
From there, Kansas City won the whole thing in overtime to secure their second ring. Even if that’s the case, the Chiefs’ options at wide receiver didn’t really perform well. To address that issue, the team will have to rely on free agency.
Why The Kansas City Chiefs Must Sign Mike Evans In Free Agency
Kansas City Chiefs, Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to wide receivers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Mike Evans will surely find a lot of use with the Chiefs. Aaron Schatz delves deeper in his article for ESPN:
“We all know that the Chiefs’ wide receivers were a disappointment last season. This is the clear area where Kansas City can improve as it attempts to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls. And the best veteran receiver on the market has a Super Bowl ring already.
Yes, Evans will be 31 this coming season, but he’s still playing at a very high level. He ranked 23rd in DVOA among qualifying wide receivers last season — he’s ranked in the top 26 for six straight seasons — and has 10 straight years with at least 1,000 receiving yards. He’s also money in the red zone, with 13 touchdown catches last season,” Schatz wrote.
Getting Evans to sign the dotted line will add another dimension to the Chiefs’ offense. Add Mahomes’ MVP-level talent to the mix, and Kansas City will have a strong chance to dominate in the NFL once again.
Kansas City Chiefs, Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Of course, there are other needs the team has to address in the offseason. In the event they do go for Evans, it’ll be a huge win for the Chiefs in free agency.
Kansas City Chiefs, Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is tackled by Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine (37) after making a reception on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Lambeau Field, Wis. Tampa Bay won the game, 34-20.
