Bucs' Mike Evans Projected to Regress in 2024 per NFL Network Analyst

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will finish the exhibition portion of the 2024 schedule on Friday night against the Miami Dolphins, and excitement is building for the regular season.

One of the key cogs in the Bucs offensive machine is wideout Mike Evans, who just re-signed with the team for another two years and $52 million.

But the national disrespect for Bucs players continues, and specifically for Evans. After Pro Football Focus ranked Evans at No. 20 in the receiver rankings, NFL Network's Cynthia Frelund expects Evans' touchdown total to fall considerably in 2024 .

"I’d also like to highlight one player in the list just below. Mike Evans, he of the 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons, appears to be flying somewhat under the radar... Considering a number of factors — increased chemistry with Baker Mayfield in their second season together, Chris Godwin moving back to the slot full time, Tampa Bay facing the competitiveness of a first-place schedule — I believe Evans’ red-zone prowess will indeed translate to a healthy number of scores [9]."

Evans tied for the league lead with 13 touchdown catches last season, and he now has a season and another offseason with quarterback Baker Mayfield under his belt.

It's hard to imagine his touchdown total falling that far.

Related: Baker Mayfield Disrespected in Latest QB Rankings

Of course, there are other factors to consider, with Jalen McMillan becoming part of the wideout corps in this year's draft, and the chemistry building between Mayfield and tight end Cade Otten this offseason.

Also, receiver Chris Godwin is moving back to the slot this year, where he had most of his success scoring touchdowns. All of these could be factors in Evans' production falling.

We'll begin to find out in the season opener against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 8.