Dec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Fans celebrate after a touchdown by Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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Mike Evans can enter NFL History Books and grab $3 million as incentive with this historic feat

Mike Evans chases history and $3M bonus in season finale

Mike Evans is staring down a milestone that only one name in NFL history shares—Jerry Rice. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ star wide receiver is just 85 receiving yards and 5 receptions away from recording his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season. If he accomplishes this in the 2024 regular season finale against the New Orleans Saints, Evans will secure not only his place in history but also a $3 million incentive for the season and a base salary increase in 2025.

NEWS: #Bucs WR Mike Evans can earn up to 3.7 MILLION DOLLARS in bonuses this week.

5 receptions and 85 yards unlock a $3M bonus (70 receptions, 1000 yards total)

2 touchdowns to break the top 10 in receiving TDs earns him $666k

Negotiated by his great agent @DerykGilmore. pic.twitter.com/2OinqyAB77
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 2, 2025

What Evans needs to hit the milestone

As of Week 17, Evans’ season stats are:

Receptions: 65
Receiving yards: 915
Yards per catch: 14.1
Touchdowns: 11

To achieve his milestone and cash in on his incentives, Evans must:

Record 5 more receptions to reach 70 catches.
Accumulate 85 more receiving yards to hit 1,000 yards.
Score 2 touchdowns to break into the NFL’s Top 10 for career receiving touchdowns, earning an additional $666,000 bonus.

A legendary feat for Evans

If Evans reaches the 1,000-yard mark, it will mark his 11th consecutive season with 1,000 yards—a streak unmatched at the start of a career and tied only with the legendary Jerry Rice. Beyond that, his consistency and dominance, even at 31 years old, continue to solidify his Hall of Fame case. Earlier this season, Evans recorded his 100th career touchdown, becoming one of only seven players in NFL history to achieve six seasons with 10 or more touchdowns.

This Jerry Rice stat is pretty insane. 😳

Mike Evans entered the league at age 21, became the only WR in NFL history with 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons to start their career, and he now has 762 receptions, 11,680 yards, and 94 TDs at age 30.

If Evans does it all over again… pic.twitter.com/nb3uTG8af4
— Dylan (@PowellAnalytics) January 20, 2024

Team dynamics and challenges

Evans’ season has been impressive despite facing numerous challenges, including a midseason hamstring injury that sidelined him for three and a half games. Additionally, the Buccaneers have dealt with injuries to key players, such as Chris Godwin, but Evans remains the focal point of their offense. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has emphasized Evans’ importance, balancing the need to involve him in the game plan without forcing plays.

Mayfield stated, “We can’t force it, but Mike’s our guy.” This dynamic will be crucial as Evans faces a formidable Saints defense in Week 18, with playoff implications on the line for the Buccaneers.

Can Evans do it this season?

Mike Evans has a history of delivering under pressure, as evidenced by his eight catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns in a recent blowout win against the Carolina Panthers. With just one game left, he needs 85 yards and 5 receptions—a reachable target given his consistent production.

Evans’ performance against the Saints could secure him a $3 million bonus this season and increase his base salary for 2025 from $18 million to $21 million under his LTBE incentive. Additionally, his 11th touchdown this year already places him fourth in the league, with the potential to rank higher with another standout performance.

Image: Imagn Images

Jerry Rice

Mike Evans

Natasha Bose

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