Mike Evans’ agents announced that Evans would be returning to the NFL for his 13th season in 2026, but that he’ll be exploring his options regarding where he plays next.
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
Evans’ contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers expired at the end of the 2025 season, and after an 8-9 campaign that saw them fail to reach the postseason, Evans could be looking for a better opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl in the final chapter of his legendary career.
There are several teams that stand out as strong fits that could strike Evans’ interest and pry him away from the Buccaneers.
Best fits for Mike Evans in free agency if he leaves the Buccaneers
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans were among the biggest threats to sign Evans during his last free-agency period, and they’ll likely be at the top of the list again this offseason. Houston holds one major advantage no other team can offer — an opportunity for Evans to play for his hometown team.
The Texans fielded one of the league’s best defenses in 2025, but they still need more offensive firepower to complete the roster and make life easier for quarterback C.J. Stroud. The wide receiver room is already crowded with Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins, as well as Tank Dell, who is expected to return from injury in 2026.
Playing alongside multiple dynamic receiving threats would prevent defenses from building game plans centered solely on stopping Evans, creating more opportunities for everyone involved. A championship-caliber defense and the chance to play for his hometown could make Houston a very appealing option.
Kansas City Chiefs
Along with Houston, the Kansas City Chiefs were the other team that drew Evans’ interest during his last free-agency period.
The Chiefs will be aggressively looking to upgrade the roster after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. They haven’t had a true No. 1 receiver since Tyreek Hill was traded in 2022, and uncertainty remains around Rashee Rice following multiple off-field issues.
Evans would give Patrick Mahomes a future Hall of Famer to throw to on the outside and finally provide the Chiefs with a true No. 1 option to elevate the offense.
Playing with the best quarterback of his generation on a team that has consistently contended for Super Bowls could prove to be the most appealing option available to Evans this offseason.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have emerged as the team most commonly linked to Evans early in the process.
Buffalo has been one of the NFL’s best regular-season teams in recent years but has struggled to get over the hump in the postseason. Josh Allen remains one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, but the offense needs more high-end talent around him.
The Bills haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Stefon Diggs left after the 2023 season. Khalil Shakir is a solid player, but he would benefit from having a true No. 1 option across from him.
Buffalo would offer Evans the chance to catch passes from one of the league’s best quarterbacks and play a major role in leading a perennial playoff contender to its first Super Bowl title.
Baltimore Ravens
Like the Bills, the Baltimore Ravens have enjoyed sustained regular-season success behind their elite quarterback Lamar Jackson, but postseason results haven’t followed.
Baltimore’s offense is built around Jackson’s dual-threat ability and Derrick Henry, giving the team a physical, run-first identity. Still, the passing game needs a true X receiver.
Zay Flowers is a dynamic weapon, but Evans would immediately step in as the alpha target Baltimore has been missing while serving as the perfect complement to Flowers’ skillset. His presence would help round out the offense and could be the piece that finally helps the Ravens break through in the postseason.
New England Patriots
After spending his first 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, Tom Brady left New England in free agency and further cemented his legacy by winning a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers. Now, Evans can follow a similar path and help the Patriots cross the finish line after spending his first 12 seasons in Tampa Bay.
The New England Patriots were one of the most surprising teams of the 2025 season, rebounding from a 4–13 record in 2024 to finish 14–3 and reach the Super Bowl a year later.
Drake Maye emerged as the league’s most efficient deep-ball passer last season, and that’s where Evans has consistently thrived. New England lacked a true downfield presence to fully capitalize on Maye’s strengths.
Stefon Diggs led the team in receiving in 2025, but he is a free agent and facing potential league discipline stemming from incidents off the field. With a talented young quarterback and dominant defense already in place, adding Evans could be the missing piece that ensures that the Patriots have the offensive firepower needed to make another title run.