Buccaneers' Mike Evans Returning for 13th NFL Season

The veteran wide receiver missed significant time in 2025 due to injuries but plans to play in 2026.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans will return for a 13th NFL season in 2026, according to multiple reports. Evans, who turns 33 in August, is set to become a free agent this offseason after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign that saw him miss nine games and fail to reach 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career.

Why it matters

Evans is the Buccaneers' all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns, so his decision to continue playing is a significant development for the franchise as they look to build around a new generation of talent at the position.

The details

Evans suffered hamstring, clavicle, and concussion injuries in 2025 that limited him to just eight games and 368 receiving yards. He had tied Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's record of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons entering the 2025 season, but the injuries prevented him from breaking that mark.

  • Evans turns 33 years old in August 2026.
  • Evans will become a free agent this offseason after spending his entire 12-year career with the Buccaneers.

The players

Mike Evans

A 12-year veteran wide receiver who has spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making six Pro Bowls and two Second-Team All-Pro teams.

Emeka Egbuka

A young wide receiver on the Buccaneers' roster who could be part of the team's future at the position.

Jalen McMillan

Another young wide receiver on the Buccaneers' roster who could be part of the team's future at the position.

Tez Johnson

A young wide receiver on the Buccaneers' roster who could be part of the team's future at the position.

Chris Godwin

A veteran wide receiver on the Buccaneers' roster who could be part of the team's plans going forward.

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What’s next

The Buccaneers will need to decide whether to re-sign Evans or allow him to test free agency, with the team having $23.9 million in cap space to work with this offseason.

The takeaway

Mike Evans' decision to return for a 13th NFL season is a testament to his durability and continued productivity, even as he enters the latter stages of his career. The Buccaneers will have to weigh the value of retaining their franchise receiving leader against investing in younger talent at the position.