Buccaneers GM Jason Licht shares hint about Mike Evans franchise tag decision

During a Monday radio appearance, Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber suggested he had reason to believe that the club would not "allow" wide receiver and franchise icon Mike Evans to leave the team via free agency after the new league year opens on March 11.

Understandably, that comment left some wondering if Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht was prepared to retain Evans' rights for 2026 via the franchise tag. 

Buccaneers want Mike Evans back, but...

According to the JoeBucsFan website, Licht spoke with reporters at the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday and didn’t rule out the idea of possibly tagging Evans before the March 3 deadline for teams to use that asset arrives. However, it sounds like the Buccaneers want the 32-year-old to be able to choose how he ends his career. 

"I love Mike, and we’d love to have Mike back. And he’s earned the right to [test free agency] with his resume," Licht explained. "Mike, as a person, what he’s meant to this entire community, the fan base, all of us, I could go on and on, which we have. He’s earned that right. We’d love to have Mike back. We’re just seeing how the process goes."

Back in 2024, Licht admitted that he "literally lost sleep" over concerns related to Evans' future before the two sides agreed to a two-year contract ahead of the start of free agency. Evans seems to be more eager to test the market after the 2025 Buccaneers went from 6-2 to 7-9 en route to missing the playoffs, but Licht noted on Tuesday that he is set to speak with the receiver's representatives during this week's combine. 

Buccaneers have this Mike Evans wish

Evans was limited to just eight games this past season after he suffered a broken collarbone in October, and he recorded 30 receptions for 368 yards with three touchdowns over those contests. Licht doesn't seem to have any concerns about how Evans will bounce back from what became a disappointing campaign.

"We want Mike back," Licht added. "He’s meant a lot to us. Ultimately, we’d like him to retire as a Buc."

It remains to be seen if Licht will use the franchise tag to make that wish a reality.