Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield Dealt Bad News Before 10th NFL Season

Star wide receiver Mike Evans endured a difficult 2025 season due to multiple injuries. The 32-year-old first suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks, then later sustained a collarbone injury shortly after returning, limiting him to only eight games throughout the year. 

Because of those setbacks, Evans finished with 30 catches for 368 yards and scored three touchdowns. His unavailability and diminished production significantly impacted Tampa Bay’s passing attack and forced Mayfield to rely on younger options in the receiving corps.

Now, as Mayfield prepares for what could be his fourth season leading Tampa Bay’s offense, he has received some concerning news ahead of NFL free agency.

According to a report from Diana Russini of The Athletic, Evans plans to explore his options in free agency, per his agent Deryk Gilmore. The veteran receiver, who holds the Buccaneers’ franchise records for receiving yards and touchdown, will reportedly test the market before deciding on his future.

A potential departure would be significant for Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense. Evans has been one of the NFL’s most consistent wide receivers since entering the league as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He recorded 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career, the longest such streak in league history. However, that remarkable run came to an end in 2025 as injuries prevented him from reaching the milestone.

If Evans ultimately departs in free agency, it could leave a major void in Tampa Bay’s offense and potentially impact Mayfield’s production heading into the 2026 season.