Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans is finally a free agent after this season, and ESPN hints at a return to Tampa Bay. The 11-year veteran has enjoyed an illustrious career with the Bucs, which includes 11-straight 1,000 receiving yard seasons.
After spending his entire career in Tampa Bay, Evans is set to hit free agency this offseason, entering his age-33 season. According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, his market will be difficult to gauge, but he finds it hard to see Evans in another uniform.
Of course, there is a possibility that Evans retires, but he may not want to end his record-breaking career with a lackluster performance. If he does return in 2026, it'll likely be a one-year deal with the Bucs, and they need him.
Receiver Emeka Egbuka has emerged as the clear future WR 1 in Tampa Bay, but the core is young. Egbuka and Tez Johnson are rookies, and Jalen McCmillan is a second-year receiver who hasn't played this season. Sterling Sheppard and Chris Godwin are veterans, but both lack the pedigree of Evans.
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Bucs fans should hope Evans runs it back one more year in 2026, mainly to mentor the future. Although mostly healthy throughout his career, Evans has struggled to stay on the field in recent memory. Last year, he missed three games due to a hamstring problem that has reappeared in Week 3 this year.
After returning in Week 7, Evans played just 14 snaps before he broke his clavicle and was placed on the IR. Fox Sports writer Greg Auman predicts the earliest Evans could return is Week 14, but that's stretching it.
Unfortunately, his 1,000-yard season streak is likely over, tying him with Jerry Rice for the most consecutive in NFL history. Regardless, Evans still cemented himself as the greatest receiver in Bucs history, by a lot.
Injuries have played a significant role and may influence his decision to play in 2025. If Evans returns in Week 14 or 15 and stays healthy through the playoffs, we may see him again in 2026. If a third injury sidelines him again, it would be hard to picture the aging receiver returning next season.
Regardless, Bucs' fans should be excited about the potential of Evans returning for one more year. Although he's aging, his experience, leadership, and pedigree provide fantastic qualities for Egbuka and Co. to learn from. Even if he doesn't play, having Evans around in an advisor or coaching role over the next couple of years would be ideal.