The NFL offseason is still generating major headlines. From the combine to free agency news, football may not seem year-round but it sure feels like it. Here’s your daily news on the NFL in the first edition of Today In The League for March 1st, 2024.

Mike Evans To Hit The Free Agency Market

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 01: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

The wide receiver could have a new home in 2024. Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to stop any extension talks and allow the 30-year-old to test the market.

Many teams will be suitors for the star wideout. If you want dependability, Evans is your guy. Missing at most three games in a season, he keeps himself relatively healthy while also recording 1,000 receiving yards every single year.

2023 saw another great season from Evans. He recorded 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns, helping the Buccaneers sneak into the playoffs.

Playing with a number of quarterbacks in his career (Mike Glennon, Blaine Gabbert, Tom Brady, Baker Mayfield, to name a few), he has thrived no matter who is throwing the ball. He will demand a pretty penny, but adding him to your team makes your offense 10x better in an instant. A WR1, no doubt.

Nate Wiggins: You’re Fast

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 01: Nate Wiggins #DB42 of Clemson participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Clemson cornerback suffered a hip injury during the NFL combine. But, this was after he ran a 4.28 40-yard dash.

With that speed, get him on my team ASAP.

In all seriousness, Wiggins is projected by many to be a first-round pick. The junior cornerback left Clemson with three interceptions and 19 pass deflections to his name.

Now, he isn’t perfect. Critics say he must improve his technique while also adding to his weight (currently at 185 pounds). But, standing at 6’2″ is intriguing, and whoever drafts him can depend on him to keep up with the fast receivers of the league.

His groin injury kept him out for the rest of the day. But, that 40 time is something many will talk about throughout the draft.

Kevin Byard‘s Time As An Eagle Is Done

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 20: Kevin Byard #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles is congratulated by teammates after he intercepted a pass thrown by Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 20, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

The former Titans safety barely lasted with the Eagles. Traded for before the deadline, Byard was released on Friday after appearing in 10 games with the team. In that span, he recorded three pass deflections and an interception along with 75 total tackles.

With his release, the team saves around $13 million in cap space. Byard looks to be wanted by teams looking for a dependable free safety.

Speaking of 40-yard Dashes…

Does anyone need a quarterback?

Other Headlines

  • The NFL may move away from chain gangs and towards technology to track down and distance
  • New England Patriots release cornerback J.C. Jackson
  • Darren Waller considering retirement after just one season with the New York Giants
  • Caleb Williams compares himself to Aaron Rodgers in terms of physical traits… More notably, he declined to participate in medical exams
  • Washington Commanders release tight end Logan Thomas and left tackle Charles Leno Jr.

Quote of the Day

Have you ever seen a baby pigeon? How do we know that power lines aren’t pigeon recharging stations?

Illinois Tight End Tip Reiman on how birds aren’t real

Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out my podcast “Backup to the Backup” on Spotify and YouTube for more NFL content from me.

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Nathan Nguyen

Nathan Nguyen is the NFL/New York Giants beat writer for Belly Up Sports.

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