NFL Free Agency Frenzy
NFL free agency is wild: Mike Evans signs with the 49ers after 12 years with the Buccaneers, and Jaelan Phillips heads to the Panthers for $120M.
Evans' deal with the 49ers is reportedly for three years and $60.4 million. However, only $16.5 million is guaranteed in the first year, making it essentially a one-year deal. He is joining the 49ers to chase a second Super Bowl ring after 12 seasons with the Buccaneers. The Panthers' signing of Phillips is a four-year, $120 million contract with $80 million guaranteed. It is the largest deal ever for a non-QB unrestricted free agent. Carolina had limited cap space before the signing, so they are likely restructuring contracts to accommodate Phillips' salary. Evans leaves the Buccaneers as their all-time leader in receptions (866), receiving yards (13,052), and touchdown receptions (108). Until an injury-shortened 2025 season, he had a record-tying 11 straight seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards. He also helped the Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV.
