Uncertainty surrounding Mike Evans' future is mounting. A bombshell report has opened the door for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers longtime star wide receiver to take his talents elsewhere this offseason.
However, amid the speculation surrounding Evans' outlook, a familiar voice chimed in. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times directly replied to a Buccaneers fan on social media to share his insight. And by the sound of it, nothing is certain as of now.
Since it didn't come from a trusted Buccaneers source, a member of the Krewe expressed doubt over the legitimacy of the intel on Evans. So, Stroud stepped up to the plate and delivered an update that isn't really good or bad — it just is.
Reliable Buccaneers beat writer weighs in on growing Mike Evans chatter
Per Stroud, Evans "hasn't made any decisions about his career or had the first conversation with the Bucs or his agent about his plans." That's as of Jan. 29, 2026, the insider noted.
"Believe who you want to believe," Stroud wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). This comes from someone who's been covering the Bucs since 1990; his word holds weight. Maybe we should listen to what he's saying.
It's thought that Evans, who's set to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his illustrious 12-year career, wants to join a contender. Many have surmised that he could retire. With that in mind, chasing a second Super Bowl ring makes sense if we see him return for the 2026 campaign.
Nevertheless, Evans has openly addressed the questions surrounding whether he may hang up the cleats soon. His previous comments align with Stroud's: there hasn't been much genuine thought put into the idea.
There will be no shortage of suitors for Evans' services if he decides to continue playing and test the open market. His consistency and status as one of the NFL's best wideouts ever make him an appealing option, especially for clubs pursuing a championship.
Evans currently ranks 10th all-time in receiving touchdowns (108) and 21st in receiving yards (13,052). He's a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who's hoisted a Lombardi Trophy. The 2014 first-round pick has nothing left to prove, but certainly has gas left in the tank.