Mike Evans is scheduled to become one of the best players available on the NFL free-agent market in less than two weeks, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly going to make a strong effort to keep their star wide receiver around.
According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, Evans’ representatives met with members of Tampa Bay’s front office at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday night. Laine reports that Buccaneers GM Jason Licht and company “will aggressively pursue trying to re-sign” Evans.
All signs suggest Evans is planning to explore free agency. One NFL insider recently described it as “far from a lock” that Evans will return for a 13th season with the Buccaneers.
Buccaneers want Mike Evans back
Licht has said the Buccaneers want Evans back in 2026, but the GM also acknowledged that Evans has earned the right to test free agency. Evans has reportedly prioritized contending for a Super Bowl next season, and there are a number of contending teams that would likely have interest in him if he were to become a free agent.
The Bucs got off to a 6-2 start last season but collapsed down the stretch, finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs in what turned out to be a weak NFC South division. Evans has a close connection with QB Baker Mayfield, but it is unclear if he views Tampa Bay as a legitimate contender heading into next season.
Mike Evans has battled injuries
Evans was limited to just eight games last season, which resulted in his record streak of consecutive 1,000-receiving yard campaigns coming to an end. The former Texas A&M star had 1,000 or more receiving yards in his first 11 NFL seasons.
Although he has battled numerous hamstring injuries in recent years, 2026 marked the first time that Evans played fewer than 13 games in a season. He has been mostly been durable throughout his NFL career and has been named to the Pro Bowl six times.
Evans will turn 33 before the start of next season, so it remains to be seen how his age and injury history might impact the market for his services.