When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the offseason, there was a huge question mark around the future of franchise legend Mike Evans. With his contract expiring, no one knew if the veteran receiver would retire, re-sign with the Bucs, or play for another team for the first time in his career. Now, his future is starting to get some clarity.
On Tuesday, ESPN reporter Kimberley A. Martin shared a message directly from Evans’ agents, revealing that the receiver will return in 2026. In addition to continuing his career, Martin also reported that Evans will explore his free agency options.
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
Bucs WR Mike Evans will return in 2026, and plans to explore free agency
Tampa Bay fans were hoping for the first part of this report, but not so much the latter half. While Buccaneers fans aren’t ready to say goodbye to Evans, no one wants to see him in a different uniform. Of course, re-signing with the Bucs will likely be an option, but the receiver’s willingness to explore free agency means some nightmare options, for Bucs fans, are also on the table.
Mike Evans has only ever played with the Buccaneers in his 12 year career, and he has put together a Hall-of-Fame worthy resume with the team. Catching 866 passes for 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns, making six Pro Bowls, two All-Pro teams, and winning a Super Bowl, Evans is already cemented as a Buccaneers legend.
Now it’s just a matter of if the wide receiver will end his career with Tampa Bay — without ever playing for another team. While that’s the storybook arc everyone dreams of, it rarely happens. Legends notoriously add different jerseys to their closets at the end of their careers, and each time, it’s hard to watch.
This would certainly be no different if Evans isn’t back with the Buccaneers. The wideout had an unfortunate year in 2025, being limited to just 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns in eight games, because of injuries, but when he’s healthy, he’s still a really good receiver. It’s now time for the Buccaneers to get to work, to make sure Mike Evans remains a really good receiver in Tampa Bay.