Mike Evans Linked to AFC Contender in Latest Projection

Could the star wide receiver leave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the Buffalo Bills?

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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According to ESPN's Aaron Schatz, veteran wide receiver Mike Evans could opt to leave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and join the Buffalo Bills this offseason. Evans, who has spent his entire 12-year career with the Buccaneers, is coming off a down 2025 season due to injuries and inconsistent quarterback play. The Bills are seen as a top AFC contender and could use Evans' size and ball skills to complement star QB Josh Allen.

Why it matters

Evans is a future Hall of Famer and the Buccaneers' all-time leading receiver. His potential departure would be a major loss for Tampa Bay, while his addition would significantly boost the Bills' offense and their chances of winning a Super Bowl with their championship window still open.

The details

Evans, who was drafted in the first round by the Buccaneers in 2014, has had 11 straight seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. However, injuries and inconsistent play from quarterback Baker Mayfield led to a down year in 2025, where Evans failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career. If he leaves Tampa Bay, Evans will depart as the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, surpassing even longtime teammate Chris Godwin.

  • The 2025 NFL season was a disappointment for both Evans and the Buccaneers, who finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
  • Evans suffered a broken clavicle in October 2025, forcing him to miss nine games.

The players

Mike Evans

A star wide receiver who has spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is a future Hall of Famer and the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills' star quarterback, who was the 2024 NFL MVP. The Bills are seen as a top AFC contender and could use Evans' talents to boost their offense and Super Bowl chances.

Baker Mayfield

The former Pro Bowl quarterback who struggled with inconsistent play in 2025, contributing to Evans' down season.

Chris Godwin

Evans' longtime teammate with the Buccaneers, who is second in franchise history in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

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What they’re saying

“Buffalo needs a No. 1 option for quarterback Josh Allen, and Evans is still a talented 'X' receiver. He has the size -- standing at 6-foot-5, 231 pounds -- and ball skills to win contested catches. Allen could also trust Evans on third down; in 2024, he had a team-high 220 yards on third down for the Bucs.”

— Aaron Schatz (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bills project to be amongst the AFC's elite in 2026, and with their championship window still open, adding a talent like Evans could be the missing piece to help them win a Super Bowl with Josh Allen at quarterback.

The takeaway

Evans' potential departure from the Buccaneers would be a significant loss for the franchise, but his addition to the Bills could be a game-changer for an already formidable AFC contender looking to capitalize on their Super Bowl window with Josh Allen.