Why WR Mike Evans returning to Buccaneers in 2026 isn't guaranteed

Wide receiver Mike Evans plans to play in 2026, but will he suit up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? 

Evans' agents, Deryk Gilmore and Darren Jones, told ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin Tuesday the WR will return for the 2026 season. However, they noted he plans to "explore his options" in free agency, suggesting he's not ruling out playing elsewhere. 

Why Mike Evans may not return to the Buccaneers in 2026 

Evans, pick No. 7 of the 2014 NFL Draft, has spent his entire career in Tampa Bay, making six Pro Bowls and winning a Super Bowl. The emergence of WR Emeka Egbuka, though, makes him more replaceable. 

This past season, Egbuka, pick No. 19 of the 2025 draft, led the team in receptions (63), receiving yards (938) and touchdown catches (six). For his efforts, the Ohio State Buckeyes product was named an Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist. 

Evans, meanwhile, missed nine games because of a broken collarbone and a hamstring injury. He logged career lows in receptions (30), receiving yards (368) and tied a career worst in TD catches (three). 

When healthy, Evans remains one of the more productive wideouts in league history. During the 2024 season, he tied Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards or more (11). 

But Evans may continue to decline as he enters the latter stages of his career. The WR turns 33 on Aug. 21. The Buccaneers will consider this when they start negotiating with the pass-catcher. 

Spotrac estimates Evans' market value is a two-year deal worth $13.3M annually. The Buccaneers — who are tight on cap room this offseason — may view that as too much. Spotrac projects Tampa Bay will start the offseason with $14.4M in cap space. 

Evans, however, has remained loyal to the franchise and has made it clear he wants to play for Tampa Bay for the rest of his career. 

Before the 2025 season, he told FanDuel's Kay Adams, "I'm a Buc for life. No matter what."

The Buccaneers may want that as well, but at a certain price. That may result in Evans signing with another team when free agency starts on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET.