{"id":230869,"date":"2026-02-28T19:09:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T19:09:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/28\/report-offers-hint-about-mike-evans-future-with-buccaneers\/"},"modified":"2026-02-28T19:09:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T19:09:17","slug":"report-offers-hint-about-mike-evans-future-with-buccaneers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/28\/report-offers-hint-about-mike-evans-future-with-buccaneers\/","title":{"rendered":"Report offers hint about Mike Evans’ future with Buccaneers"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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<\/a> are reportedly going to make a strong effort to keep their star wide receiver around.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> that Buccaneers GM Jason Licht and company “will aggressively pursue trying to re-sign” Evans.<\/p>\n

All signs suggest Evans is planning to explore free agency. One NFL insider recently described it as “far from a lock<\/a>” that Evans will return for a 13th season with the Buccaneers.<\/p>\n

Buccaneers want Mike Evans back<\/h2>\n

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<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Mike Evans has battled injuries<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n