Bills Reportedly Eyeing Buccaneers Star Mike Evans

ESPN analyst predicts Evans could be the missing piece for Buffalo's offense under new coach Joe Brady.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Buffalo Bills are in need of a top-tier wide receiver to pair with quarterback Josh Allen, and ESPN analyst Matt Bowen believes Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans could be the perfect fit. Bowen listed Evans as one of the top free agents this offseason and suggested the Bills as the ideal landing spot, noting Evans could thrive as Allen's new "boundary X target" in Buffalo's offense under new head coach Joe Brady.

Why it matters

The Bills have struggled to replace Stefon Diggs since trading him in 2024, and adding a proven receiver like Evans could take their offense to the next level and help them get over the hump in the playoffs. Evans is a seven-time Pro Bowler who has topped 1,000 receiving yards in 11 straight seasons, making him an ideal complement to Allen's big arm.

The details

In his ESPN article, Bowen wrote that while a return to Tampa Bay is possible for Evans, "becoming the top receiver in Buffalo with quarterback Josh Allen makes a lot of sense, too." Bowen believes Evans could excel as Allen's "boundary X target" and create mismatches in the red zone under new head coach Joe Brady's offense.

  • Evans helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl in 2020.

The players

Mike Evans

A seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who has played his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping them win the Super Bowl in 2020.

Josh Allen

The starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, known for his strong arm and ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs.

Joe Brady

The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills, previously the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers.

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What they’re saying

“A return to Tampa Bay is clearly an option for Evans, but becoming the top receiver in Buffalo with quarterback Josh Allen makes a lot of sense, too. Under new coach Joe Brady, Evans could be that boundary X target for Allen and create matchups in the low red zone. I like the idea of Buffalo getting aggressive to add a proven and reliable target who had topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 11 straight seasons before injuries derailed his 2025 campaign.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

The takeaway

Adding a star receiver like Mike Evans could be the missing piece for the Buffalo Bills' offense as they look to take the next step under new head coach Joe Brady. Evans' combination of size, skill, and experience would make him an ideal target for Josh Allen, and his presence could help the Bills finally break through and win a Super Bowl.