NY Jets might have some extra competition for Mike Evans

The NY Jets are one of a few teams monitoring the market of Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans. But after Thursday night's game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions, another team might be added to that list.

Evans has found himself the subject of trade rumors over the last few weeks, and it seems very possible that the longtime Buccaneers wide receiver could be leaving Tampa Bay in the near future.

While the Bucs insist that they don't plan to trade him, Evans has given the team a deadline of this Saturday for an extension. If a deal is not reached before then, Evans will enter the 2024 offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

The Jets are one of a host of teams that would be interested in Evans if he became available. Now, we can likely say the same for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs could compete with the NY Jets for a Mike Evans trade

Kansas City was without star tight end Travis Kelce in their season opener against the Lions on Thursday, and it showed. The Chiefs' passing game struggled mightily without Kelce, and drops from their receivers ultimately cost the team the game.

Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore had nightmare performances. The likes of Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Justin Watson do little to strike fear into opposing defenses. The Chiefs could really use a wide receiver upgrade.

This has many believing that Evans could be a great fit in Kansas City.

The former Texas A&M star has recorded at least 1,000 yards in all nine of his NFL seasons to date. He's a four-time Pro Bowler who has shown little signs of slowing down at the age of 30.

Evans would give the Chiefs a true No. 1 wide receiver to pair with Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. That said, he could also provide a massive boost to the Jets' offense.

The Jets already have a star wide receiver in Garrett Wilson, but their wide receiver depth behind him is lacking. The likes of Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Mecole Hardman aren't keeping defensive coordinators up at night.

Pairing Wilson with Evans would give the Jets arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL. It would add an extra piece of offensive firepower to a Jets offense that could really use another playmaker.

The Jets have more financial flexibility than the Chiefs, both in 2023 and 2024, so they might have the advantage when it comes to giving Evans the new contract he's looking for. Never count out the aggressiveness of the Chiefs, however. They can make it work if they really want to.

If Evans truly does hit the trade market, expect the Jets and Chiefs to both be interested. After Thursday night's ugly performance, it would be malpractice if Kansas City didn't make a serious attempt to upgrade their wide receiver room this season.