WR Evans becomes highest-paid Buc

Mike Evans agreed to a five-year, $82.5 million contract extension with Tampa Bay that makes him the second-highestpaid receiver in the NFL.

The deal includes $55 million guaranteed and also makes Evans the highest-paid player with the Buccaneers with an average annual salary of $16.5 million — second among NFL receivers behind Antonio Brown’s $17 million.

The 24-year-old entered the league as the seventh overall pick out of Texas A&M in the 2014 draft. He has topped 1,000 yards receiving in each of his four pro seasons, amassing 309 receptions for 4,579 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Tampa Bay also re-signed backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who appeared in six games last season, to a one-year contract.

Fitzpatrick, 35, started three games while filling in for injured Jameis Winston in 2017, completing 96 of 163 passes for 1,103 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.