Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Just one day after Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans implored his agent to set the record straight on false reports about his retirement, the legendary playmaker decided to do it himself.
According to multiple reports, Evans will play a 13th NFL season in 2026, although there’s no guarantee the coveted free agent will play for the Buccaneers, where he’s spent his entire career to this point.
“WR Mike Evans WILL return in 2026,” ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin wrote on her official X account on Tuesday. “His agents Deryk Gilmore + Darren Jones tell me the future HOFer will play this upcoming season — and *will* explore his free agency options. One of the league’s most consistent playmakers will be back — but we’ll see if it’ll be w/ the Bucs.”
“Bucs receiver Mike Evans plans to play in 2026 and explore options in free agency, according to his agent Deryk Gilmore,” Tampa Bay Times NFL reporter Rick Stroud wrote on his official X account. “Bucs would be in play. ‘Yes, that’s correct. He is opening it up,’ Gilmore said. ‘That he will play next season with someone. It could be Tampa but Will definitely play a 13th season.’ ”
Evans set the NFL record for most consecutive seasons to start a career with 1,000 receiving yards and tied Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice with 11 consecutive seasons of 1,000 receiving yards in 2024.
“Sources:Bucs 6x Pro Bowl WR Mike Evans wants to continue playing and fully intends to play a 13th season in 2026,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote on X. “Where that will be is up in the air as he’s an impending free agent, but Evans’ heart has always been in Tampa.”
Evans, who will turn 33 years old in August, is coming off his worst season as a pro — a year in which he saw his record streak come to an end and the Buccaneers missed the playoffs for the 1st time since 2019.
Evans Grew Tired of False Retirement Reports
Evans’ sent a clear message on fake reports online about his retirement via a lengthy statement from his agent, Deryk Gilmore on Monday night.
“Recently, there have been multiple false and misleading posts circulating online about Mike Evans,” Gilmore said in a press release on Sunday. “In regards to ANY media posts on any platform (Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram or X), if it does not come directly from Mike Evans’ official page or from his Family Foundation page, please assume it is NOT real … Mike Evans values authenticity and transparency with his fans. When there is news to share, you will hear it directly from him or through his official platforms.”
Evans is a 6-time Pro Bowler, 2-time NFL All-Pro and Super Bowl champion who just played the final season of the 2-year, $52 million contract he signed in March 2024.
Spotrac projects Evans could be in line to receive something in the range of a 2-year, $26.6 million contract in the open market.
Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman predicted Evans will return to the Buccaneers.
“It’s likely he finishes his career with the Bucs, but leave open the slim chance he goes somewhere like Houston, close to his hometown of Galveston, with a strong contender he could help,” Auman wrote.