Mike Evans targeting Jerry Rice’s 28-year-old record

Jerry Rice is the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, and most of his records will be impossible to break after a 20-season pro career. But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Mike Evans is hunting for one of the Hall of Famer’s key registrys.

Rice had 11 1,000-yard receiving seasons from 1986-96 while Evans now has 10 1,000-yard seasons. This year could be the one in which the Texas A&M graduate emulates the legendary wide receiver and he’s fully aware of what’s at stake.

“I don’t make a list of goals, but that’s one of them that’s in the back of my mind because everyone talks about it,” Evans said. “It’s been a record for how many years? Over 20 years? So, that’s something I definitely want to accomplish, and just help the team win games and be better than last year.”

Among the NFL’s active players, Evans has the third-most yards (11,680), behind only Julio Jones (13,703) and DeAndre Hopkins (12,355), who came into the league three and one seasons before him, respectively. Rice’s 22,895 is still too far out of reach.

Mike Evans will be Baker Mayfield's favorite target

For Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, Baker Mayfield is the right quarterback for the team in the 2024 season and the responsibility is on his shoulders.

“Baker has the keys to the bus. He’s driving it. He’s comfortable, we’re comfortable with him. We’re both in a great place right now,” Bowles said.

“He’s got to run the offense […] put the ball where he needs to put it, understand the offense and make the right reads. I think he’s taken that on his shoulders. He came back in great shape and we expect him to do that. There’s a lot more stability there than last year.”

In Evans, a proven veteran after 10 seasons with different quarterbacks where he didn’t stop producing, Mayfield will have his favorite target. Last year, they combined for 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns in 17 games.