Mike Evans isn’t finished.
The star wide receiver will return to the NFL in 2026, according to ESPN’s Kimberley Martin — but it might not be in Tampa Bay.
Evans’ agents, Deryk Gilmore and Darren Jones, told Martin that the veteran will “explore his free agency options” this offseason, leaving his future with the Buccaneers up in the air.
Evans, who turns 33 before next season, has spent his entire career, which will likely end with enshrinement in Canton, Ohio, with the Bucs.
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Evans won Super Bowl 2021 with Tampa Bay.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Evans has caught 866 passes for 13,052 yards with 108 touchdowns throughout his 12-year career.
Evans started his career with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons, tying a record set by Jerry Rice, a streak that ended last season due to a concussion and clavicle injury that limited him to just eight games.
Two years ago, Evans appeared ready to test the open market before staying with the only NFL team he’s ever known.
Days before the free agency period began in 2024, Evans struck a deal with the Bucs, signing a two-year, $52 million contract with $35 million guaranteed to stay in Tampa Bay through this past season.
At the time, Evans’ average of $26 million per season was fourth-most among NFL wide receivers behind Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams and Cooper Kupp.
Tampa Bay finished 8-9 last season, falling short of the postseason for the first time in six years.
Despite the disappointing finish, the team opted to hang on to head coach Todd Bowles, but he fired five assistant coaches as part of an overhaul for next season.
