Buccaneers GM Jason Licht opens up about Mike Evans amid Bills rumors

While speaking with reporters at the NFL scouting combine, Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht suggested he would not retain the rights to veteran wide receiver Mike Evans via the franchise tag because Evans has "earned the right to" test free agency. 

During the latest edition of the "Ira Kaufman Podcast," Licht was asked if Evans needs a "sales pitch" to re-sign with what's been his only NFL home since the opening night of the 2014 draft. 

Why Mike Evans may not need to be "sold" on Buccaneers return

"I don’t think so," Licht responded. "Mike knows, he and I have had a lot of conversations over the last year, and I think he — I don’t want to put words in his mouth — but I think he sees what we have, the talent that we have, especially on his side of the ball, what we were able to do over the last few years when healthy." 

A recent report detailed how Evans will be "prioritizing...the opportunity to win another Super Bowl" among other things as he considers his options. The 2025 Buccaneers endured a collapse, going from 6-2 to 7-9, en route to missing the postseason, while playoff teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, and Los Angeles Chargers are expected to be interested in the 32-year-old. 

For a piece published on Friday, ESPN's Aaron Schatz predicted that a Buffalo Bills side that has one-time MVP Josh Allen serving as its starting quarterback will sign Evans at some point after the new league year opens on March 11. Karen Guregian of MassLive also noted that the Bills "will be lurking" as it pertains to landing a top-tier receiver this offseason. 

Will "love" keep Mike Evans with the Buccaneers?

That said, Evans reportedly "likes the makeup of" the Buccaneers locker room and "genuinely loves the Bucs' receiving corps." Licht expanded on those topics during the podcast. 

"I know he loves his teammates," Licht added about Evans. "I know he absolutely loves his teammates, all of them. I don’t know how much of a sales pitch I’d have to give. But I think he understands. I think we see eye-to-eye, and he knows what we’re capable of."

It's unclear if that love will help ensure that Evans ultimately retires a one-club man whenever he is ready to ride off into the sunset.