Buccaneers WR Mike Evans Intends to Play in 2026

The 32-year-old wide receiver's agent says he will play next season, though his future in Tampa Bay is uncertain.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Mike Evans' agent, Deryk Gilmore, told NFL.com and ESPN that the 32-year-old wide receiver intends to continue his NFL career in 2026, though his exact destination is still to be determined. Evans has played his entire 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who selected him 7th overall in the 2014 draft. He was a key part of the Buccaneers' Super Bowl-winning team in 2020 but missed significant time last season due to injuries.

Why it matters

Evans is one of the most productive wide receivers in Buccaneers history, holding franchise records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. His potential departure would be a significant loss for the team as they look to rebuild their offense around a new quarterback after the retirement of Tom Brady.

The details

Evans just completed a two-year, $20.5 million per year contract with the Buccaneers. He topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 NFL seasons before an injury-plagued 2025 campaign in which he had just 30 catches for 368 yards and 3 touchdowns in 8 games. Evans missed 3 games due to a hamstring injury and 6 more with a broken collarbone, though he returned for the final month of the season.

  • Evans was drafted by the Buccaneers in 2014.
  • He won a Super Bowl with the team in 2020.
  • Evans just completed a two-year contract with the Buccaneers.

The players

Mike Evans

A 32-year-old wide receiver who has played his entire 12-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Deryk Gilmore

The agent for Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans.

Tom Brady

The former quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who retired after the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“He is opening it up. 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 (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will need to decide whether to re-sign Evans or let him test free agency, as his future with the team remains uncertain.

The takeaway

Mike Evans' potential departure from the Buccaneers would be a significant loss for the franchise, as he has been one of the most productive wide receivers in team history. His future will be closely watched as the team looks to rebuild its offense in the post-Tom Brady era.