Broncos Eye 6-Time Pro Bowl WR Mike Evans to Boost Bo Nix's Weapons

Denver has the cap space to pursue the veteran receiver as he hits free agency after 12 seasons with the Buccaneers.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Denver Broncos are reportedly eyeing six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans as a potential free agent target this offseason. Evans, who has spent his entire 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is slated to hit the open market for the first time in his career. The Broncos, who fell short in the AFC Championship game last season, are looking to add more playmaking ability around young quarterback Bo Nix, and pairing Evans with Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton could give Nix a formidable duo of big-bodied perimeter targets.

Why it matters

The Broncos' offense struggled to generate enough explosive plays last season, despite earning the AFC's No. 1 seed and making it to the conference championship game. Adding a veteran receiver like Evans, who has consistently been one of the most productive wideouts in the NFL, could help take their offense to the next level and provide more reliable weapons for Nix to work with.

The details

Evans, 32, is coming off a season in which a hamstring injury limited him to just 8 games. However, he has started his career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, tying an NFL record held by Jerry Rice. Over his 12-year career, Evans has amassed over 13,000 receiving yards and 109 touchdowns. The Broncos have approximately $29 million in cap space entering the offseason, giving them the flexibility to pursue a high-profile free agent like Evans.

  • Evans is slated to hit free agency for the first time in his career this offseason.
  • The Broncos fell to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game in the 2025 season.

The players

Mike Evans

A six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who has spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, establishing himself as one of the most productive receivers of his era.

Bo Nix

The Broncos' young starting quarterback, who is entering his third season in the NFL and looking to take the next step in his development.

Courtland Sutton

A Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Broncos, who could form a formidable duo with Evans if the team is able to sign the veteran wideout.

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What they’re saying

“Pairing Evans with Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton would give Nix two big-bodied perimeter targets.”

— Jacob Infante, PFSN Analyst (PFSN)

“In a postseason interview, Mayfield suggested Evans would be back in Tampa Bay.”

— Baker Mayfield (Instagram)

What’s next

The Broncos will need to navigate the free agency process and determine if they can reach a deal with Evans, who may have interest from other teams as well.

The takeaway

The Broncos' pursuit of Mike Evans highlights their desire to provide more playmaking ability and reliable weapons for quarterback Bo Nix, as they look to build on their successful 2025 season and take the next step towards a Super Bowl berth.