The Chiefs feel good about their wide receiver room at this point, though apparently they were contenders to land All-Pro Mike Evans in free agency this offseason.
Speaking with Gerald McCoy on NFL Network, Evans talked about his free agency and the factors that led him to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the only team he's ever played for. Given the obvious need Kansas City had at the position and Evans' remarkable consistency, it would've been a match made in football heaven.
Unfortunately, his free agency now just becomes a "what if" scenario that hopefully won't ultimately matter.
All-Pro WR Mike Evans Reveals He Considered Joining Chiefs
Evans signed with the Bucs prior to the official free agency period, so Brett Veach never even had the chance to make an offer. However, that didn't stop the five-time Pro Bowler from dreaming about catching passes from Patrick Mahomes in Andy Reid's offense.
"In the back of my mind, I’m thinking Houston, Kansas City," Evans said when asked what led to his decision. "I love Pat Mahomes’ game. I’m thinking those two teams. And I’m obviously thinking the Bucs."
He said spending his entire career in Tampa Bay was "obviously a goal" of his, and the troublesome idea of relocating his family was a major factor in the decision. You can't blame Evans, but it would've been beautiful to see him catching TDs from Mahomes nonetheless.
The only player in NFL history to record 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career, Evans is still only 30 years old. He caught 79 passes for 1,255 yards and a league-leading 13 TDs last season, and it's not an exaggeration to say he'd likely be the best red-zone weapon Mahomes has ever thrown to.
Not that Mahomes or the Chiefs are overly concerned. They're focused on winning a third consecutive Super Bowl and are already breaking out dynamic trick plays, so the offense should hum along just fine.
Who knows what things would've looked like with Evans, but I imagine it would've been one of the most potent offensive units we've ever seen.
