Buccaneers Insider: Mike Evans Has 'Better Than a Puncher's Chance' to Return to Tampa

Despite speculation about the star wide receiver's future, one NFL insider believes Evans could stay with the Buccaneers.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 12:07pm

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There has been widespread speculation that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans' days with the team are numbered, as he entered the offseason without a new contract. However, NFL Insider James Palmer believes Evans has a good chance of re-signing with the Buccaneers, citing the team's winning culture and Evans' desire to keep playing. Palmer noted that fellow Bucs receiver Chris Godwin took less money to stay in Tampa, and said the NFC South is a "winnable division" that could entice Evans to remain with the team.

Why it matters

Mike Evans is one of the most accomplished wide receivers in the NFL, having recorded 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career. His potential departure from the Buccaneers would be a major loss for the team and its fanbase. However, if he does re-sign with Tampa Bay, it would provide stability and continuity for the offense as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.

The details

Evans, who will turn 33 years old before the 2026 season, has already expressed his desire to play a 13th NFL season. Despite his advanced age and recent injury history, several teams will likely be interested in the future Hall of Fame wideout. This has led to speculation that his days as a Buccaneer are over. However, NFL Insider James Palmer believes Evans could stay in Tampa, noting that fellow Bucs receiver Chris Godwin took less money to remain with the team. Palmer also cited the NFC South as a "winnable division" that could entice Evans to stay, as the Buccaneers have won the division three out of the last four seasons.

  • Mike Evans entered the 2026 offseason without a new contract with the Buccaneers.

The players

Mike Evans

A Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who has recorded 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start his career, surpassing the previous record set by NFL legend Jerry Rice.

Chris Godwin

A wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who took less money to remain with the team rather than sign with the New England Patriots.

James Palmer

An NFL Insider who believes Mike Evans has a good chance of re-signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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What they’re saying

“I'll sound crazy here, I think it's Tampa [the most likely destination].”

— James Palmer, NFL Insider

“This is a winnable division.”

— James Palmer, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Buccaneers will need to decide whether to re-sign Mike Evans or let him test free agency, which could have major implications for the team's offense and playoff aspirations in 2026.

The takeaway

Despite speculation about Mike Evans' future, this report suggests the Buccaneers have a legitimate chance of retaining the star wide receiver, which would provide stability and continuity for their offense as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.