Report: Giants were prepared to pursue Mike Evans in free agency

Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) lines up during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Bucs defeated the Panthers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

One of the New York Giants’ top free agent targets — future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans — has been taken off the market.

Evans has reached a deal with his current employer, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on a two-year extension worth a reported $52 million.

Before free agency begins next week, the Buccaneers and five-time Pro-Bowl WR Mike Evans reached agreement on a two-year, $52 million that includes $35 million guaranteed, per his agent @DerykGilmore.

Evans now has a real chance to start and finish his career in Tampa as a Buc. pic.twitter.com/tj68Vk9YpG

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2024

The Giants were one of a half-dozen potential suitors seeking to pry Evans away from Tampa, where he’s played his entire 10-year NFL career.

Multiple teams had Mike Evans on their free agent WR board and were hoping to land him in free agency. Based on several team sources: Titans, Rams, Chiefs, Patriots, Giants, Panthers, Falcons, and Jaguars.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 4, 2024

Evans caught 79 of his 136 targets (58%) last season for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has registered 1,000 or more yards receiving in each of his 10 seasons with the Bucs, which is an NFL record.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Report: Giants were prepared to pursue Mike Evans in free agency