Bucs Star Mike Evans Weighs Free Agency Options for 2026 Season

Veteran wide receiver plans to play 13th NFL season, but future with Tampa Bay uncertain

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans plans to play in the 2026 NFL season, but his future with the team is unclear as he prepares to enter free agency. Evans' agent confirmed the 33-year-old will explore all options, including potentially signing with another team, when the new league year begins on March 11.

Why it matters

Evans has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers' offense for over a decade, setting an NFL record with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. His potential departure would be a major loss for the team, which is coming off an 8-9 season and missed the playoffs. The Bucs will have to decide how much to invest in Evans versus addressing other needs on the roster.

The details

Evans saw his record-setting streak come to an end in 2025 as he missed eight games due to injuries. When he returned, he showed he could still make an impact, but his frustration with the team's struggles was also evident. The Bucs have restocked at receiver, drafting promising young players like Emeka Egbuka, which could make it harder to justify a lucrative new deal for the veteran Evans.

  • Evans will turn 33 years old in August 2026.
  • The NFL's legal tampering period begins on March 9, 2026.
  • The new league year starts on March 11, 2026, when free agents can sign contracts.

The players

Mike Evans

A 33-year-old wide receiver who has spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting an NFL record with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

Deryk Gilmore

The agent for Mike Evans who confirmed the wide receiver's plans to explore free agency options for the 2026 season.

Baker Mayfield

The Buccaneers' current starting quarterback who has publicly lobbied for Evans to return to Tampa Bay.

Todd Bowles

The Buccaneers' head coach who has also expressed a desire for Evans to continue playing in Tampa.

Zac Robinson

The Buccaneers' new offensive coordinator who has joined Mayfield and Bowles in recruiting Evans to stay with the team.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, that's correct, he's opening it up. That he will play next season with someone. It could be Tampa, but he will definitely play a 13th season.”

— Deryk Gilmore, Agent for Mike Evans

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will have to decide how much to offer Evans in free agency, balancing his value to the team against their other roster needs. Evans' future could depend on whether Tampa Bay is willing to make him a competitive offer to keep him in a Buccaneers uniform for his 13th NFL season.

The takeaway

Mike Evans' potential departure from the Buccaneers would be a significant loss for the team, but Tampa Bay's recent investments in younger receivers may make it difficult to justify a lucrative new contract for the veteran. Evans' free agency decision will be closely watched as he weighs his options for continuing his NFL career in 2026 and beyond.