Bills Named Best Fit for Six-Time Pro Bowl WR

ESPN analyst says Mike Evans could be a perfect addition to Josh Allen's offense in Buffalo.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 5:23pm

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After a disappointing divisional round playoff loss, the Buffalo Bills are looking to add more firepower to their offense. ESPN's Matt Bowen believes the Bills would be the best fit for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans, who is set to hit free agency. Evans could provide a reliable boundary target for Bills quarterback Josh Allen and help the team reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.

Why it matters

The Bills have lacked a true top receiving threat since trading Stefon Diggs in 2024, and adding a proven veteran like Evans could take their offense to the next level. With Allen under center, the Bills are still considered to have a wide-open Super Bowl window, and getting aggressive to add a player of Evans' caliber could help them get over the hump.

The details

Evans appeared in just eight games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season due to injuries, snapping his 11-year streak of reaching at least 1,000 receiving yards. However, the 33-year-old is still a six-time Pro Bowler who could provide a reliable target for Allen in the low red zone. Spotrac projects Evans' market value to be a two-year, $26.6 million contract.

  • The 2026 NFL season will be Evans' 14th in the league.
  • Free agency opens on March 11, 2026.

The players

Josh Allen

The Bills' four-time Pro Bowl quarterback and 2024 NFL MVP.

Mike Evans

A six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who is set to hit free agency after spending his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Khalil Shakir

The Bills' leading receiver in 2025 with 72 receptions for 719 yards and four touchdowns.

Stefon Diggs

The Bills' former top wide receiver who was traded to the Houston Texans in 2024.

Joe Brady

The Bills' new head coach, who could help maximize Evans' production in Buffalo's offense.

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What they’re saying

“Under new coach Joe Brady, Evans could be that boundary X target for Allen and create matchups in the low red zone. I like the idea of Buffalo getting aggressive to add a proven and reliable target.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

Free agency opens on March 11, 2026, and the Bills will likely be one of the teams pursuing Mike Evans if he hits the open market.

The takeaway

The Bills' Super Bowl window with Josh Allen remains wide open, and adding a proven veteran like Mike Evans could be the missing piece to help them finally win their first championship. Evans' size, experience, and red-zone ability would complement Allen's skills perfectly and give the Bills' offense another dynamic playmaker.