No one really wants this to happen except Chiefs fans, but it's a real possibility. Rumors are swirling about where Mike Evans will take his talents this offseason. A return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remains the favorite, but retirement and free agency are still in question.
Until the league opens back up on March 11, we may not know for certain what will happen, but we have a few guesses. Recently, rumors returned regarding Evans joining the Kansas City Chiefs, which would be any Bucs' fans' worst nightmare.
This stems from his comments before the 2024 season, when he explained that he almost signed with the Chiefs over the Bucs. Not only should this precedent concern Bucs fans, but NFL analyst Tony Pauline explained how sources told him it's basically a 50/50 chance he resigns with the Bucs.
Pauline suggests potential destinations being Buffalo and New England for the 12-year future Hall of Famer.
Based on all the information since the season ended, it is apparent that Evans will play somewhere in 2026. Despite entering his age 33-season, Evans obviously wants to go out on a Super Bowl-winning team, and doesn't appear confident the Bucs are the right team for the job.
Potential Mike Evans free agency landing spot is Bucs' fans worst nightmare
This is highly disappointing, but other future Hall of Fame wide receivers have done this in recent memory. Atlanta Falcons all-time great Julio Jones went team-hopping late in his career. Jones played on three different teams well into his thirties, including the Bucs, but never won a Super Bowl.
After nine seasons between the Vikings and Bills, Stefon Diggs has spent back-to-back seasons with the Texans and Patriots, but came up one win short of being a Super Bowl champion this past season.
Health is likely the only thing that could keep Evans off the field permanently at this point, regardless of where he goes. Over the last two years, the injury bug has run rampant, but his spirits have remained high.
Although it hasn't been mentioned yet, it's likely a real possibility that Evans signs a one-year deal with the Chiefs. They're coming off a down year and have question marks at receiver still. Even if Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy remain healthy, those two speed demons work best with quick plays, end arounds, and deep balls.
Neither have the physicallity and ball hawk abilities of Evans. The Chiefs would be lucky to get Evans through free agency, but we'll have to wait and see what happens.