Bills, Patriots Linked to Free Agent Battle for Future Hall of Fame WR

AFC East rivals could compete to sign veteran wide receiver Mike Evans this offseason.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:47am

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Mike Evans, the star wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is set to become a free agent this offseason. Despite speculation that he may retire or remain with the Bucs, a new report suggests the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots could be potential suitors for the future Hall of Famer.

Why it matters

Evans is one of the most dominant wide receivers of his generation, so his free agency will be a major storyline this offseason. The Bills and Patriots are both perennial playoff contenders in the AFC, so their pursuit of Evans could significantly impact the balance of power in the conference.

The details

According to a report from Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Bills and Patriots could be among the teams interested in signing Evans once he hits free agency. Evans, who will turn 33 next season, has spent his entire 9-year career with the Buccaneers but may be open to a change of scenery. The Bills and Patriots are both in need of a top-tier wide receiver to complement their star quarterbacks.

  • Mike Evans will become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026.

The players

Mike Evans

A 9-year veteran wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who is considered a future Hall of Famer.

Buffalo Bills

An AFC East team that could pursue Evans in free agency to bolster their passing attack.

New England Patriots

An AFC East rival of the Bills that could also be in the running to sign Evans this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“There's one wide receiver heading for free agency this offseason who is a surefire Hall of Famer when he hangs up his cleats for good.”

— Billy Heyen, Author (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

The NFL free agency period will begin in March 2026, at which point Evans' future destination will become clearer.

The takeaway

The potential pursuit of Mike Evans by the Bills and Patriots highlights the intense competition in the AFC East, as the division's top teams look to add elite talent to their rosters in the offseason.