By PFW staff
Oct. 2, 2008

The Bills and WR Lee Evans agreed to a contract extension, the Bills announced Thursday. The team and agent Ben Dogra had been in quiet negotiations with the star receiver for nearly six months, negotiations that were overshadowed by the prolonged holdout of Pro Bowl OLT Jason Peters throughout training camp and the preseason.

PFW has learned the deal is for four years with a maximum value of $37.25 million, $18.25 of which is guarenteed.

Evans, 27, has established himself as one of the league’s top deep-threat wideouts since arriving in Orchard Park as a first-round pick out of Wisconsin in 2004. Just four games into his fifth pro season, he’s amassed 4,059 yards on 247 receptions with 30 touchdowns. No Bill has had more receptions, receiving yards or receiving touchdowns after his first four seasons. He’s off to a strong start in 2008, as well, catching 14 balls for 332 yards and a touchdown in Buffalo’s new offense piloted by emerging second-year QB Trent Edwards. Evans’ 23.7 yards per reception is tops in the NFL amongst receivers with double-digit receptions.

“It’s extremely important for Lee to stay in Buffalo,” a source close to the negotiations told PFW just a day before the deal was finalized. “He loves it there.”

Evans' rookie contract was set to expire after this season.