Mike Evans, the veteran wide receiver, plans to return for the 2026 NFL season, but whether he will continue his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remains uncertain. According to reports from ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin, Evans is prepared to explore his options in free agency after an injury-plagued 2025 season that limited him to just eight games.
During that challenging season, Evans battled a hamstring injury, followed by a concussion and a broken collarbone. His performance suffered as a result, culminating in 30 receptions, 368 yards, and three touchdowns. This disappointing outcome ultimately ended his remarkable streak of 11 consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards—the longest such streak to start a career in NFL history, which he shared with the legendary Jerry Rice.
Despite the setbacks, Evans has demonstrated his explosive capabilities. Notably, in his first game back from injury, he recorded an impressive performance with six catches for 132 yards. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 231 pounds, Evans possesses the physical attributes necessary to excel in contested catches and is particularly effective in the red zone. From 2014 to 2024, he led the NFL with 105 receiving touchdowns and made significant contributions with 13 touchdowns in 2023 and 11 touchdowns in 2024.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Evans now enters free agency this offseason, where he is expected to attract considerable interest. CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell has ranked him as the 17th most sought-after free agent in this class. The free agency negotiating period is set to commence on March 9, allowing teams to vie for the services of one of the league’s most iconic wide receivers.