Buccaneers' Todd Bowles Has Hilarious Response to Mike Evans Saga

Bowles doesn't want to tempt fate on Evans' future with the team.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:36pm

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles was asked about the team's receiver room if star wideout Mike Evans decides to leave in free agency. Bowles gave a hilarious response, saying he doesn't want to "jinx it" by answering the question. The Buccaneers are likely planning for all scenarios with Evans' future uncertain as he weighs his options.

Why it matters

Mike Evans is a cornerstone of the Buccaneers' offense, so his potential departure would be a major blow to the team. Bowles' reluctance to discuss the receiver room without Evans shows how crucial the star player is to Tampa Bay's plans.

The details

Evans is coming back to the Buccaneers in 2026, but is keeping his options open as free agency begins. The team has other talented receivers like Chris Godwin, Tez Johnson, Emeka Ebguka and Jalen McMillan, so they wouldn't be down to the "bare bones" if Evans leaves. However, the franchise is likely being proactive and getting a sense of the landscape with or without their star wideout.

  • Evans' future with the Buccaneers is uncertain as free agency begins shortly.

The players

Todd Bowles

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mike Evans

A star wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who is weighing his options as a free agent.

Chris Godwin

A talented wide receiver on the Buccaneers' roster.

Tez Johnson

A wide receiver on the Buccaneers' roster.

Emeka Ebguka

A wide receiver on the Buccaneers' roster.

Jalen McMillan

A wide receiver on the Buccaneers' roster.

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What they’re saying

“Is it okay for me to answer that if it happens? I don't want to answer that right now," a smiling Bowles said. "That's a tough one. I don't want to jinx it.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach (sportingnews.com)

The takeaway

The Buccaneers are in a delicate situation with the future of star receiver Mike Evans uncertain. Head coach Todd Bowles' reluctance to discuss the receiver room without Evans shows how crucial the player is to the team's plans, and the franchise is likely exploring all options as they prepare for the possibility of Evans' departure.