3 reasons the Chicago Bears shouldn't pursue Mike Evans in free agency
By Dakota Wayne
Chicago Bears' Reason No. 1: Mike Evans' age is a big factor
As of Feb. 19, 2024, Mike Evans is 30 years old, and he'll be close to 31 years old by the start of the 2024 NFL season.
When discussing players in their prime, rarely is that player in their thirties. For playmakers, that likelihood drops even lower. In this case, Mike Evans could be close to retirement.
The MOST receptions in franchise history.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 31, 2019
"And that's why you draft Mike Evans." pic.twitter.com/rPPBUiJ6O5
After this most recent season, Mike Evans has been in the NFL for a decade. That's a long time to do most jobs, let alone playing in the NFL as a wide receiver. Considering the quarterbacks Mike Evans has played with, the production he created is impressive. In fact, Evans is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' all-time leading receiver in franchise history with 11,680 receiving yards.
But does that mean the Bears should strike now? No.
The accomplishments and accolades filling Evans' trophy case are a reason to believe he's an incredible receiver. But, for a team trying to build a Super Bowl contender, it might not make sense to go out and get a receiver who's going to be 31 next season.
Of the top 20 receivers in receiving yards, only four of them are 30 years old or older. One of those four: Mike Evans. Wide receivers just don't usually play at a high level once they've cracked 30 years old, and that trend likely isn't changing anytime soon.
In the Chicago Bears' quest for greatness, Mike Evans' age might keep him out of the equation.