Bucs Star WR Mike Evans Weighs Free Agency Options

5 Best Fits for the 6-Time Pro Bowler as He Considers Leaving Tampa Bay

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans will be a free agent this offseason, and the question now is whether he'll finish his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or join a new team. Evans has spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Bucs, but he's now exploring his options as he enters the final stage of his career.

Why it matters

Evans is one of the most accomplished receivers in Buccaneers history, rewriting the franchise's receiving records. His potential departure would be a major loss for Tampa Bay, but could also present an opportunity for him to win a championship with a new team and cement his legacy as a future Hall of Famer.

The details

Evans, who turns 33 before the 2026 season, is coming off a two-year, $45 million contract with the Bucs. His next deal could be slightly lower in annual value, but he's still expected to be one of the top free agent receivers this offseason. The Patriots, Texans, Chiefs, Bills, and Buccaneers have all been identified as potential landing spots for Evans.

  • Evans will officially become a free agent on March 15, 2026.
  • Players can begin negotiating with new teams on March 9, 2026.

The players

Mike Evans

A 6-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who has spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Baker Mayfield

The Buccaneers' starting quarterback, who has publicly lobbied for the team to re-sign Evans.

Jason Licht

The Buccaneers' general manager, who has expressed a desire to keep Evans in Tampa Bay for the rest of his career.

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What they’re saying

“We must do everything we can to keep Mike Evans in Tampa Bay. He's the best offensive player in franchise history.”

— Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers Quarterback (Instagram)

“Mike Evans has been the heart and soul of this team for over a decade. We want him to finish his career as a Buccaneer.”

— Jason Licht, Buccaneers General Manager (Tampa Bay Times)

What’s next

Evans and the Buccaneers will continue contract negotiations in the coming weeks, with the goal of reaching a new deal before the start of free agency on March 15.

The takeaway

Mike Evans' potential departure from the Buccaneers would be a significant loss for the franchise, but it could also present an opportunity for him to win a championship with a new team and cement his legacy as one of the all-time great wide receivers in NFL history.