After spending his entire tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, wide receiver and two-time All-Pro Mike Evans is considering retirement. According to reports, the veteran told reporters recently that he may retire despite signing a new contract this past spring. The assumption was that he was going to depart from the Buccaneers at some point in free agency, and the receiver had serious interest from teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans. This was, of course, until Tampa Bay signed him on a new deal that would keep him with the Buccaneers for the rest of his career, but he knows his time is running out and plans to have his best season.
However, the year has been quiet for the veteran, even though it’s still early in the season, but it’s easy to understand that he probably is on the verge of retirement because he knows he is no longer the same player he once was. Originally selected in the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Texas A&M product turned into one of the most generational pass-catchers in the league. Evans has already done enough to prove what he could do on the field, so this allows other talent like Emeka Egbuka to make a name for himself on this roster. At age 32, it’s hard to imagine that he’s completely done with the NFL, so here are three teams that may take him out of possible retirement at the right opportunity.
Buccaneers Tristan Wirfs Injury
Dec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) is congratulated by wide receiver Jalen McMillan (15) and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (78) after a touchdown in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Image
Former NFL First-Round Pick Mike Evans is Considering Retirement – 3 Potential Dream Teams
Possible Fits
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys might have one of the best receiver duos in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, but that won’t matter if they can’t go deep into the playoffs. This team needs a true veteran in their wideout unit that can help Dallas go back to the NFC Championship game in some capacity. Jalen Tolbert and Pickens will become free agents next offseason, but at least one of them will sign a contract extension. If Evans is available for a return to the league even after his possible retirement, the Cowboys could look to sign him on a low-stakes offer.
It all depends on how the season plays out for the Cowboys this year since it’s head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s first year. Dak Prescott isn’t getting any younger and must be put in his right situation to win.
Kansas City Chiefs
Other than their 0-2 start, the Kansas City Chiefs are better than what the record shows. They just need a few tweaks on their offense while they navigate playing without Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy on the field. Mike Evans is easily a viable receiver if he becomes available and if Marquise Brown doesn’t sign a new deal, as he’s set to become a free agent next offseason.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens have one of the best pass-catching units between DeAndre Hopkins, Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. However, they’ve been just inches close from appearing in a Super Bowl led by Lamar Jackson. If they fail to reach there again, they should not only re-sign Hopkins, but also find a way to acquire Evans out of retirement if he truly does hang up his cleats temporarily.