Buccaneers Coach 'Hoping and Praying' for Mike Evans' Return

Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles wants the veteran wide receiver to stay with the team.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 1:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles is desperately hoping that veteran wide receiver Mike Evans will return to the team for the 2026 NFL season. Evans is an unrestricted free agent and plans to explore his options, but Bowles made it clear he wants the longtime Buc to stay in Tampa, saying he's "hoping and praying" Evans comes back.

Why it matters

Evans has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers' offense since 2015, making the Pro Bowl multiple times. His potential departure would be a major loss for the team as they look to bounce back after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2025.

The details

Evans is currently on the books for a $13.07 million cap hit in 2026, but the Buccaneers may need to renegotiate a new deal to keep him. The 33-year-old wide receiver is coming off a season where he missed time due to a collarbone injury, but Bowles believes he can still play at a high level.

  • On February 17, Evans declared he will return for his 13th NFL season.
  • On February 20, NFL insider James Palmer said Tampa Bay could be the most likely destination for Evans despite his desire to test free agency.

The players

Todd Bowles

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mike Evans

A veteran wide receiver who has played for the Buccaneers since 2015.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm hoping and praying he comes back. He's been a Buc his whole life, he's done so much for the city and the team of Tampa Bay that it's unmistakable. His legend is etched in stone there. He can still play at a high level, but he's earned the right to look around in free agency because he's played for so long and we just hope and pray that he comes back.”

— Todd Bowles, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What’s next

The Buccaneers will need to negotiate a new contract with Evans if they want to keep him in Tampa for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Mike Evans' potential departure from the Buccaneers would be a major loss for the team, as he has been a key part of their offense for nearly a decade. Head coach Todd Bowles is making it clear he wants Evans to stay in Tampa, underscoring the importance of the veteran wide receiver to the franchise.