It is hard to imagine Mike Evans not wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform. Well, fans might be wise to start preparing for such a reality, as contract talks between the veteran wide receiver and organization “have produced no progress and seem to have reached an impasse,” according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team.

In a decade filled with thrilling highs and brutal lows, Evans producing on the football field has been one of the only constants in Tampa Bay. An end to this long union could push the franchise further into uncertainty.

There is now added pressure on the Bucs to start the season off strong, as a poor record could force the front office to seriously consider dealing the four-time Pro Bowler and impending free agent before the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline. With nine seasons of 1,000 or more receiving yards and six seasons of eight or more touchdowns, Evans is sure to generate plenty of interest.

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Maybe such a scenario can be avoided altogether, though, if Tampa surprises people. Baker Mayfield is clearly the X-factor. Strong quarterback play would allow the team to exceed expectations and possibly convince Evans that the Buccaneers are still the best fit for him. However, the business aspect of all this cannot simply be ignored.

The former top-10 pick out of Texas A&M just turned 30 years old, which is usually when receivers start to decline. Mike Evans' size and skill set means that he can still be a valued contributor regardless, but management may consider it impractical to hand out a big contract. Especially if Tampa Bay is bracing for a full rebuild.

There are many questions hovering above Raymond James Stadium. Perhaps some will be answered this season, which begins for the Bucs on Sept. 10 at the Minnesota Vikings. But the current situation can't be sugarcoated. An emotional breakup could be on the horizon.