Browns Likely to Pursue Bucs WR Mike Evans in Free Agency

New Browns coach Todd Monken previously worked with Evans in Tampa Bay, making the veteran receiver an attractive target.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns are expected to express interest in signing free agent wide receiver Mike Evans, who is set to hit the open market on Monday. Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler, previously thrived under new Browns head coach Todd Monken when the two were together with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2016-2018. During that time, Evans had three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and made his first two Pro Bowl appearances. The Browns are looking to restock their pass-catching corps this offseason and Evans would provide a big-bodied target for either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders at quarterback.

Why it matters

The Browns are committing significant resources to improving their offense this offseason, and signing Evans would represent a major upgrade to their receiving group. Evans' familiarity with Monken's system and the coach's ability to get the best out of him makes the veteran wideout an attractive target, despite his age. However, the Browns will have to weigh Evans' price tag against their long-term rebuilding plans.

The details

In their three seasons together in Tampa Bay, Evans and Monken helped the Buccaneers lead the NFL in passing offense in 2018 and finish third in total offense. Evans had 96 catches for 1,321 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first year under Monken, and followed that up with 86 receptions for 1,524 yards in Monken's final season there. The Browns are looking to add weapons for either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders at quarterback, and Evans would provide a big-bodied target to complement their existing receivers.

  • The three-day negotiating window for NFL free agents opens on Monday, March 11, 2026 at noon.

The players

Mike Evans

A six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who is set to hit free agency after spending his first nine NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who previously served as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Buccaneers during Evans' most productive seasons in Tampa Bay.

Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback, who will be competing with Shedeur Sanders for the team's QB1 job this offseason.

Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns' young quarterback prospect who will compete with Deshaun Watson for the starting job this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Together, they helped the Bucs lead the NFL in passing offense in 2018 with 5,125 yards per game, and finish third in total offense (6,681).”

— Mary Kay Cabot, Reporter (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Browns will have to determine if they can sign Evans to a contract that fits their long-term rebuilding plans, as the veteran receiver will likely command a significant salary on the open market.

The takeaway

Signing Mike Evans would be a bold move by the Browns as they look to surround their quarterback of the future with elite pass-catching talent. Evans' familiarity with new head coach Todd Monken's system makes him an intriguing target, but the Browns will have to weigh the short-term benefits against their long-term rebuilding strategy.