Buccaneers Star WR Mike Evans Exploring Free Agency Options

Evans' agent says the receiver is doing his "due diligence" before deciding on his future.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans is exploring his options in free agency, according to his agent Deryk Gilmore. Gilmore stated that Evans wants to "look at all 32 teams" and make a "business decision" rather than an "emotional decision" about his future. Evans previously re-signed with the Buccaneers after testing the free agent market, but it's unclear if he will remain in Tampa Bay for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Evans has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers' offense for years, so his potential departure would be a major blow to the team. As one of the NFL's elite wide receivers, Evans' decision will have significant implications for both the Buccaneers and whichever team he ends up signing with.

The details

According to Gilmore, Evans is not rushing into a decision and is carefully evaluating all 32 NFL teams to find the best fit, both in terms of winning a championship and his personal goals. The agent said Evans didn't make an "emotional decision" the last time he was a free agent, which led to him re-signing with the Buccaneers. This time, Evans could potentially join a contender like the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, or Kansas City Chiefs in pursuit of another Super Bowl title.

  • Evans is set to become a free agent in March 2026.

The players

Mike Evans

A star wide receiver who has spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making the Pro Bowl 7 times.

Deryk Gilmore

The agent representing Mike Evans and his contract negotiations.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The NFL franchise that Mike Evans has played for since being drafted in 2014.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I just think that he basically wants to look at all 32 teams. I can't go out here and say, 'Oh, yeah. We're looking for a new team.' I mean, that hasn't been the mindset here. We basically just want to do an analysis. When you're making a business decision, you want to sit down, go through, do your checks and balances, make sure you evaluate everything you do, and then from there, when you're making a decision, you're not making an emotional decision.”

— Deryk Gilmore, Agent (Pewter Report)

What’s next

Evans will become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026, at which point he and his agent will be able to negotiate with all 32 NFL teams to find his next destination.

The takeaway

Mike Evans' impending free agency highlights the precarious nature of star players' futures in the NFL. Even the most established veterans must continually prove their worth on the open market, leading to tough decisions that balance business and emotional factors. Evans' choice will have major ramifications for the Buccaneers and whichever team he ultimately signs with.