Buccaneers' Mike Evans to Explore Free Agency After 2026 Season

The star wide receiver will return for his 13th NFL season but may not stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has decided he will play in the 2026 NFL season, but plans to explore his free agency options after the year. Evans, a future Hall of Famer, is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season where he missed several games due to a broken collarbone and hamstring injury. The 32-year-old has 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, tying an NFL record held by legend Jerry Rice.

Why it matters

Evans' decision to return for one more season is a boost for the Buccaneers, but his impending free agency creates uncertainty around the team's receiving corps. As one of the league's most consistent playmakers, Evans' future will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

The details

Evans missed six games in 2025 with a broken collarbone, the first time in his career he had suffered a major injury. He also missed three games with a hamstring issue, leading to a down year statistically with just 30 catches for 368 yards and 3 touchdowns in 8 games. Despite the injury troubles, the 32-year-old plans to return for the 2026 season, but will then test free agency.

  • Evans said at the end of the 2025 season that he would think about his football future.
  • Evans will be an unrestricted free agent on March 11, 2026.

The players

Mike Evans

A star wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who has made 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, tying an NFL record held by Jerry Rice.

Kimberly Martin

An ESPN reporter who shared the news of Evans' decision to return for the 2026 season.

Deryk Gilmore

One of Evans' agents who confirmed his client will play in 2026 and explore free agency.

Darren Jones

One of Evans' agents who confirmed his client will play in 2026 and explore free agency.

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What they’re saying

“WR Mike Evans WILL return in 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.”

— Kimberly Martin, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

“I just approach it how I always approach it. It's whatever happens, happens. I'll focus on that when the time is right. Right now, we have to win. And I'm always giving my all and I'm always gonna go out swinging.”

— Mike Evans (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will need to determine if they want to re-sign Evans before he hits free agency on March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

Despite an injury-plagued 2025 season, Mike Evans remains one of the NFL's most consistent and productive wide receivers. His decision to return for one more year gives the Buccaneers a boost, but his impending free agency creates uncertainty around the team's receiving corps going forward.