Bucs' Mike Evans makes NFL history, cashes in $3 million incentive with catch on final play of game

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers toppled the New Orleans Saints to seal their Week 18 victory that gave them the NFC South title and the final playoff spot in the NFC.

With just seconds left in the fourth quarter on Sunday, you'd think quarterback Baker Mayfield would assume the victory formation and kneel for victory. But he had something else in mind.

He wanted his favorite target to make NFL history and earn $3 million in incentives.

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Mike Evans, left, celebrates with fellow teammate Jalen McMillan after a reception that put him over 1,000 yards for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images)

Every Tampa Bay fan knew that Mike Evans came into this game with five catches and 85 yards to earn a $3 million bonus.

The yards in particular would also go down in NFL history, as Evans would become the first player to begin his career with 11 1,000-yard seasons. This would also tie the great Jerry Rice's all-time record of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

BAKER MAYFIELD LEADS BUCS IN 4TH QUARTER RETURN AGAINST SAINTS TO WIN NFC SOUTH TITLE

When the Bucs took the ball back late in the game, Evans had eight catches but only 80 yards. He needed five more to set a new NFL record and also earn a pretty penny on top of his regular game check.

So instead of just kneeling, Mayfield dropped back, threw quickly to his left and Evans picked up nine yards to finish with nine catches for 89 yards to reach the target.

Evans threw the ball into the sky and his rookie teammate Jalen McMillan immediately ran towards him to celebrate as the entire Raymond James Stadium crowd panicked, knowing Evans had gotten what everyone wanted to see. The rest of Evans' Bucs teammates ran to congratulate him as he left the field.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans celebrates after a reception to put him over 1,000 yards receiving for the season in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. (Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images)

“I was hoping we could stop because I can't let the story go,” Evans said after the match, according to Yahoo Sports. “Coach Bowles didn't want to let that go or [offensive coordinator Liam Coen]. I'm glad they made me go out there and get that, because it's been hard to do for 11 straight years, and to be tied with one of the [the greatest, if not the greatest, receiver] of all time means a lot to me.”

Mayfield added: “That's what we came up with, and Mike did the rest. He deserves it. This guy has meant so much to this community, this team, this organization for years. For him to achieve this feat , it took him 11 years in a row and to tie Jerry Rice, it’s incredible.”

Thus, Evans finishes his 11th NFL season, all with the Bucs, with 1,004 receiving yards. And his efforts helped his team reach the playoffs, where they will be the fourth seed in the NFC.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans runs a route against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

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It's also worth noting that Evans will have a $666,666 incentive to finish in the top 10 in wide receiver touchdowns in the NFL.

The Bucs, now winners of the NFC South for a fourth straight season, await the loser of the Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings game later Sunday, when they would assume the No. 5 seed.

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