NFL insider just dropped a total nightmare scenario about Mike Evans and the Bucs

Mike Evans has spent the entirety of his prolific 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so the thought of him wearing any other jersey is jarring.

But according to Tony Pauline, an NFL Draft analyst at EssentiallySports, Evans leaving Tampa Bay is a legitimate possibility this offseason.

"Those I’ve spoken with over the past week believe it’s less than 50-50 the veteran wideout re-signs with Tampa and that his career with the Buccaneers is likely finished. He’d like to go to a contender and win another title," wrote Pauline.

His reporting didn't stop there -- he even got specific with a team that those around the league expect to heavily pursue Evans in free agency.

"People in the know believe the Buffalo Bills are the team likely to target the former All-Pro."

It's a total nightmare scenario for Bucs fans, but it's one that nobody should get too nervous about -- yet.

Mike Evans leaving the Buccaneers is a highly unlikely scenario

This isn’t the first time doubt has been cast over Evans’ future in Tampa Bay.

During the 2024 offseason, Evans and his agent gave the organization a deadline to agree to a contract extension before Week 1. The two sides failed to reach a deal, which sparked trade rumors and an expectation that Evans would depart in free agency after the season. Instead, Evans chose to play out the final year of his contractand eventually agreed to a two-year extension to remain with the Buccaneers.

Evans later admitted that he considered joining both the Kansas City Chiefs and his hometown Houston Texans, but ultimately decided that his desire to be a Buccaneer for life, along with a strong push from his wife Ashli to stay in Tampa, outweighed those options.

There’s little reason to think this time around will be any different.

Sure, Evans might want to once again explore his options in what is likely his final crack at free agency, but it seems unlikely he'll uproot his family and leave Tampa for a whole new city for only a season or two.

Over the last few years, both the organization and Evans himself have expressed a mutual commitment to ensuring he finishes his career with the Buccaneers. Evans has built a legacy as the greatest offensive player in franchise history, and as Jason Licht’s first-ever draft pick, the general manager will do whatever it takes to prevent Evans from walking out the door.

Buccaneers must build a contender this offseason to keep Mike Evans in Tampa Bay

Based on the reports, if Evans decides to leave it will be with the goal of landing with a Super Bowl contender rather that financial and contractual reasons. If that report has any truth to it, the organization needs to put on a full court press to demonstrate to their star player that they're serious about winning in 2026. The team needs to be aggressive in addressing their weaknesses this offseason, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Evans was visibly frustrated during his return from injury in Week 15, a game in which he did everything he could by catching six passes for 132 yards. Despite his performance, Tampa Bay blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in embarrassing fashion, first allowing a 14-yard gain on 3rd-and-28 and then surrendering a 4th-and-14 conversion on the Falcons’ game-winning drive. That loss ultimately proved to be the difference in keeping the Buccaneers out of the playoffs.

The Buccaneers want to make sure Evans never suits up for another team, and everything Evans has said indicates he’s just as committed to being a Buc for life. This offseason, the front office needs to do everything possible to address any concerns Evans might have and create a situation where he truly believes he can finish his career in Tampa while still chasing another championship.

The personnel choices made over the next few months could determine whether the franchise’s greatest offensive player ends his career in a Buccaneers uniform, or takes his talents elsewhere.