Buccaneers find replacement for Pro Bowl WR in latest mock draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have some difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks with several key free agents, including QB Baker Mayfield, WR Mike Evans, LB Devin White and safety Antoine Winfield Jr.

Tampa Bay isn't in a bad financial situation, with $47.15M in salary cap space heading into 2024, according to Pro Football Focus. However, NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah believes the team will opt to get younger in his latest mock draft by letting Evans walk in free agency and landing his replacement.

With pick No. 26 in the 2024 NFL Draft, Jeremiah has the Buccaneers selecting Texas WR Adonai Mitchell.

"The Bucs go with the power forward-like receiver to potentially replace Mike Evans, who is ticketed for free agency," Jeremiah writes. "If you want to see what Mitchell is capable of, turn on the tape of the College Football Playoff semifinal against Washington."

Mitchell's four catches for 32 yards and a touchdown against Washington was impressive, but so was his 2023 season as a whole. The 21-year-old had 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns after spending the first two years of his collegiate career with Georgia.

Still, it will be difficult for Tampa Bay to replicate the production of Evans, who's posted 10 straight 1,000-receiving-yard seasons to begin his NFL career.

It wouldn't be solely up to Mitchell to replace Evans' production. Chris Godwin would likely take over the No. 1 WR role with the rookie serving as the No. 2. But finding a way to retain Evans would give the Buccaneers the best chance of contending again in 2024.

Evans, who will turn 31 at the beginning of next season, is expected to receive a four-year, $95.3M contract ($23.8M per year) this offseason, per Spotrac.

Maybe there's a scenario in which Tampa Bay can re-sign Evans and draft Mitchell, creating one of the better wide receiver trios in the league. But Jeremiah thinks Evans' asking price may be too high.