Mike Evans (Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)

AFC juggernaut linked to superstar WR Mike Evans

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Alex Hoegler | Last updated Jan 29, 2026 1:24 PM ET

If Mike Evans decides to leave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the veteran wide receiver would immediately become one of the most sought-after players in NFL free agency.

Evans has spent his entire 12-year career with the Buccaneers. But with the wide receiver turning 33 before next season, and with the Bucs’ competitive window closing, it’s certainly possible that the two parties will agree to a split in the offseason.

Evans was limited to eight games this season after suffering a broken collarbone in a game against the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, that ended his streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at 11.

He looked poised to enter free agency in 2024, only to sign a lucrative two-year extension worth $54 million. If Evans were to leave Tampa Bay, he’d presumably want to play for a Super Bowl contender at this phase of his career.

Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus listed the Buffalo Bills as the best landing spot for Mike Evans in free agency.

“The Bills’ lack of quality depth at outside receiver limited their offensive output, particularly when injuries mounted late in the year. Add in their limited capability to stretch the field vertically – recording the sixth fewest receptions on throws of 20 or more yards – and Evans profiles as a strong upgrade to Josh Allen’s core of weapons.”

Evans had 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns in eight games this season.

Bills & Mike Evans are perfect match

Mike Evans (Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

The Bills have already made one big move this offseason, promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady to the head coaching position after firing Sean McDermott. The next task should be to improve Josh Allen’s supporting cast, and a future Hall of Famer like Evans would certainly help.

Buffalo has failed to find a capable No. 1 wide receiver since trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans in 2024. Evans, a consistent 1,000-yard receiver, would easily fill that role.

The six-time Pro Bowl wideout is one of the best deep threats in the game. Josh Allen is excellent at scrambling and finding his receivers downfield. If Evans could put up elite numbers with Baker Mayfield, imagine what he could do with arguably the league’s best quarterback.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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