ESPN: Mike Evans explains while he want to extend his contract.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans “is trending toward becoming a free agent,” according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Schultz reported the Bucs had set a “soft deadline” for Monday to strike a bargain with Evans, but “both sides remain far apart.”

Thanks to restructuring his contract, Tampa Bay will incur a cost if Evans walks as a free agent. The team will absorb $12.2 million in dead money toward its 2024 salary cap. Fox Sports’ Greg Auman noted the Bucs will also lose $7.4 million in cap space absent an agreement Monday.

Jenna Laine of ESPN reported in September that Evans and the Buccaneers were unable to get something done in time for the 2023 season.

“Sources close to the situation said they believe that this is an ownership call versus a front office call,” Laine reported at the time. “The Glazer family, who own the Buccaneers, signed off on the franchise borrowing nearly $100 million from the future to support a Tom Brady Super Bowl run for three seasons, which has meant limited resources with the salary cap as they try to rebuild.”

That was a foreboding sign when it came to Evans’ future in Tampa Bay, and Monday’s report only adds to the doubt regarding his tenure.

Evans caught 79 passes for 1,255 yards and an NFL-high 13 touchdowns, so he remains a productive pass-catcher. But his age (30) is likely a consideration for the Buccaneers if they’re looking more toward the future.

Based on how negotiations have unfolded this far, they appear content to lose the best receiver in franchise history.