Mike Evans coming for Jerry Rice's record despite Bucs' QB situation

Mike Evans isn't done trying to add his name to the NFL's record books.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver - who owns the record for most 1,000-yard seasons to start a career with nine - is only two campaigns shy of Jerry Rice's historic mark for most consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 yards at any point in an NFL journey.

"I think about it," Evans recently told Ari Alexander of KCPR 2 Houston at the wideout's youth football camp in Texas. "It's right there, so I'm going to definitely try to get that. I'm already one of one right now. I hope I can pass the great Jerry Rice and his record."

Rice, widely considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, also holds the records for most career receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), and touchdown catches (197) by a significant margin.

"Obviously, nobody will pass his records - probably ever total," Evans added. "But that 1,000-yard streak record would be cool to have."

Evans has put on a show since the Buccaneers drafted him seventh overall in 2014. Despite Tampa Bay starting six different quarterbacks from 2014-22, the Texas A&M product has caught 683 passes for 10,425 yards and 81 touchdowns.

Tampa Bay will have another QB under center in 2023 to replace Tom Brady, who retired this offseason. But Evans is confident his production will remain the same.

"I should be getting 1,000 yards if I'm healthy every year," he said. "I want to be one of the tops in the league. I want to be winning games. That's what I care about."

Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are expected to compete for Tampa Bay's QB1 role at training camp. Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers this offseason, joining his third different team in the last two years. Trask has attempted only nine passes since entering the NFL as a second-round pick in 2021.

"Kyle's improved a lot. I'm really impressed with what I've seen from Baker," Evans said. "Whoever the quarterback will be, I'm positive they're going to make the right choice, and we're going to win some games."