BREAKING: Steelers have finalized a four-year, $209 million deal with elite Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans……… See more ……
PITTSBURGH, PA — In a stunning and unprecedented move that is sending shockwaves across the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially finalized a four-year, $209 million deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, league sources confirmed late Sunday night. The blockbuster deal makes Evans one of the highest-paid wide receivers in NFL history and dramatically shifts the balance of power in the AFC.
The 30-year-old Evans, a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the most consistent wideouts of the past decade, now becomes the centerpiece of a retooled Steelers offense under head coach Mike Tomlin. With the deal averaging over $52 million per year, it signals Pittsburgh’s all-in approach to building around its current offensive core and taking a major leap toward Super Bowl contention.
A New Era in Pittsburgh
“This is a transformative move,” said Steelers GM Omar Khan in a brief statement. “Mike Evans brings not only elite production, but leadership, playoff experience, and a championship mindset. He’s exactly the kind of player we want in Pittsburgh.”
Evans has spent the entirety of his 10-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, amassing over 11,000 receiving yards and 94 touchdowns. He holds the NFL record for most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start a career (10), a streak he will look to extend in Pittsburgh.
Last season, Evans hauled in 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns, proving that he remains a dominant force even as he enters his 11th season in the league.
Impact on Steelers Offense
Evans joins a promising offensive unit that includes wide receiver George Pickens, running back Najee Harris, and recently acquired quarterback Russell Wilson. The Steelers are clearly hoping that Evans’ elite downfield threat and route-running precision will open up the field for the rest of the offense.
“Adding a guy like Mike forces defenses to game-plan differently,” said an AFC coach who requested anonymity. “He’s one of the few wideouts who can beat you at every level of the field.”
Steelers fans, who have long hoped for an elite WR to fill the void left by Antonio Brown, now have a superstar target to rally around.
Fallout in Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers, meanwhile, lose one of their franchise cornerstones. Despite months of negotiations, the two sides failed to reach a long-term extension, and Tampa opted not to use the franchise tag. With Baker Mayfield returning as QB and Chris Godwin still on the roster, the Bucs will need to quickly regroup to remain competitive in the NFC South.
Reports suggest Tampa Bay could explore the free agent or trade markets, or look to the upcoming draft to reload at wide receiver.
What’s Next
Mike Evans is expected to be introduced at a press conference in Pittsburgh early this week, where he’ll don the black and gold for the first time. Details regarding signing bonuses and contract structure are expected to be released in the coming days.
With training camp just weeks away, the Steelers have fired the first major shot of the 2025 NFL offseason — and the rest of theleague is officially on notice
