One of the biggest questions facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason has been the future of franchise icon Mike Evans.
Evans missed nine games during the 2025 season due to injuries and is set to turn 33 before the start of next year. His contract expired at the end of the season, making him an unrestricted free agent, and retirement had been viewed as a legitimate possibility.
WR Mike Evans WILL return in 2026.
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) February 17, 2026
His agents Deryk Gilmore + Darren Jones tell me the future HOFer will play this upcoming season — and *will* explore his free agency options.
One of the league’s most consistent playmakers will be back — but we’ll see if it’ll be w/ the #Bucs
Those rumors were put to rest Thursday. Evans’ agents, Deryk Gilmore and Darren Jokes, announced that the veteran wide receiver will return for his 13th season in the NFL. However, the announcement left open the possibility that Evans could play elsewhere, signaling that the final chapter of his NFL career could come with a new team.
Mike Evans isn’t retiring – but will he be returning to the Buccaneers?
Despite the announcement that he won't be retiring, Evans' status as a Buccaneer remains up in the air. He will take the time to explore his options in what is likely his final free agency period.
For Evans, keeping his options open at this stage of his career makes sense. Tampa Bay is coming off an 8-9 season in which they failed to reach the playoffs in the NFL's weakest division. Evans has nothing left to prove statistically, and so chasing a championship in the twilight of his career could be the most appealing option.
Evans previously admitted that he seriously considered two teams during his last free agency period -- his hometown Houston Texans and the dynastic Kansas City Chiefs. There's reason to believe those teams can be legitimate threats to pry Evans away once again, as the Texans boast a championship-caliber offense but need some more juice on offense. The Chiefs suffered a down year in 2025 and missed the postseason for the first time since 2014 but will be looking to surround Patrick Mahomes with everything he needs to get the team back on track.
Another Super Bowl hopeful has also been linked to Evans. Tony Pauline, an analyst for EssentiallySports, reports that those in league circles have connected the Buffalo Bills to Evans as a potential suitor. Pairing him with quarterback Josh Allen could give Buffalo the boost it needs to finally get over the hump in its pursuit of a championship.
But while there will be no shortage of appealing options for Evans, no situation fits him better than staying home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After the drama surrounding his last free agency, Evans made it clear he wanted to be a Buccaneer for life, and it’s difficult to believe that sentiment has shifted dramatically over the past two seasons.
That said, Evans was visibly frustrated at times during the 2025 season, particularly with the team’s defensive incompetence. Still, Tampa Bay still has many of the right pieces in place to contend, especially on offense. Evans’ chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield, along with his relationships with Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, remains a major reason why staying put makes sense.
It's on the Buccaneers to prove to their franchise icon that they’re serious about winning in 2026. An aggressive offseason, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, would go a long way toward assuring Evans that meaningful football and a legitimate championship push remain within reach in Tampa Bay.
Evans is the face of the franchise, and no team or fanbase could replicate the legendary status he already holds in Tampa Bay.