Mike Evans Free Agency Meeting
Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans is set to meet with the team as he approaches free agency. Evans has declined to retire and remains a major target for several teams, though the Bucs hope to retain one of the most productive receivers of this era.
- Mike Evans holds the NFL record for most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to begin a career (11), a streak that ended in an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. - His agent, Deryk Gilmore, has publicly stated that Evans will play a 13th season in 2026 and intends to explore all his options in free agency. - Evans is the Buccaneers' all-time franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. - He is coming off a two-year, $45 million contract that included void years, which will leave the Buccaneers with a $13 million dead cap hit in 2026 regardless of where he signs. - Several contending teams are considered potential suitors for Evans, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, both of whom have a need for a top wide receiver. - A return to his home state is also a possibility, with the Houston Texans mentioned as a team that was previously interested and could be again. - At 32 years old, contract value projections for Evans vary, but it's anticipated he will command a short-term deal, with Pro Football Focus estimating a one-year, $18 million contract. - Quarterback Baker Mayfield has publicly expressed his desire for Evans to return to the Buccaneers.
