Browns Lose Out on Mike Evans Amid $27M Contract Rumors

Cleveland's pursuit of the star wide receiver appears unlikely to materialize.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns were reportedly interested in signing free agent wide receiver Mike Evans this offseason, but according to NFL insider Josina Anderson, that move is not likely to happen. Evans is rumored to have contract offers exceeding $27 million per year, which may be too rich for the Browns' budget as they look to address other needs on the offensive line and defense.

Why it matters

The Browns were hoping Evans could provide a major boost to their passing attack and help develop young quarterback Shedeur Sanders. However, Evans is likely eyeing a contender that can offer him a lucrative long-term deal, which the Browns may not be able to match given their other roster priorities this offseason.

The details

Per Anderson's report, "As of right now, it doesn't look sound the Cleveland Browns are takers" for Evans, who is expected to command north of $27 million per year on the open market. The Browns have significant needs to address on the offensive line and defense, making it difficult for them to allocate that much of their salary cap to one player, even a star like Evans.

  • The Browns received this bad news on Evans on March 9, 2026.

The players

Mike Evans

A veteran wide receiver who has over 13,000 career receiving yards and is considered a potential future Hall of Famer.

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' young quarterback who they were hoping Evans could help develop.

Josina Anderson

An NFL insider who reported that the Browns are unlikely to sign Evans due to his high contract demands.

Greg Aumen

A Fox Sports NFL reporter who stated that Evans has contract offers exceeding $27 million per year.

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What they’re saying

“As of right now, it doesn't look sound the Cleveland Browns are takers, per league sources.”

— Josina Anderson, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Browns will now need to pivot to other wide receiver options in free agency and the draft to address their needs at the position.

The takeaway

The Browns' inability to land a top-tier wide receiver like Mike Evans is a setback in their efforts to build a contending roster around quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The team will need to get creative in finding alternative solutions to improve their passing attack and support their young QB.