D.K. Metcalf Mike Evans
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ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin reported receiver Mike Evans will return in 2026, which makes him a candidate to play with D.K. Metcalf and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have needed to bolster their wide receiver room for years. If they want to do that with a veteran this offseason, another one is scheduled to be available when NFL free agency begins — Mike Evans.
ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin reported this week Evans plans to play in 2026.
The 32-year-old wideout has spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But he plans to test free agency in March.
“His agents Deryk Gilmore + Darren Jones tell me the future HOFer will play this upcoming season — and *will* explore his free agency options,” wrote Martin on X.
“One of the league’s most consistent playmakers will be back — but we’ll see if it’ll be w/ the Bucs.”
Kimberley A. Martin
WR Mike Evans WILL return in 2026.
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
The Steelers could have interest because of Evan’s remarkable consistency. Evans went 11 consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards. He’s also been a scoring machine, posting 108 touchdowns in 176 career contests.
With that production, Evans has earned $155 million over his NFL career.
Could the Steelers Pursue Free Agent WR Mike Evans?
When Martin essentially announced Evans’s plans to play in 2026, Steelers Now’s Aaron Becker immediately proposed the idea of the Steelers exploring the possibility of adding the veteran wideout.
“That could hurt Evans market and is why many believe he will ultimately return to Tampa Bay, but he could still prove to be an intriguing addition for a wide receiver-needy team like the Steelers,” wrote Becker.
“Pittsburgh only has wide receivers DK Metcalf, Ben Skowronek and Roman Wilson under contract for 2026. So multiple additions will need to be made to the room via free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.”
In his last full season, Evans kept his 1,000-yard campaigns streak alive with 1,004 yards. He also had 11 touchdowns in 14 contests.
During 2023, he led the league with 13 receiving touchdowns and made second-team All-Pro.
The Steelers badly need that kind of production in their receiving corps. Pittsburgh hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since 2023.
But Evans did snap his streak last year in an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. He only played eight contests because of multiple injury. In those eight games, Evans registered 30 catches for 368 yards and three scores.
Why the Steelers Shouldn’t Add Evans
Because of his 2025 production, the Steelers should give major pause to potentially signing Evans.
In Week 3, he sustained a hamstring injury. Upon returning during Week 7, Evans sustained a concussion and broken collarbone.
Evans will turn 33 years old in August.
If the Steelers add the veteran, it should be for an affordable price. In the best case scenario, Evans could provide WR2 production for another year or two.
But the Steelers should also sign or draft a longer-term receiver solution this offseason.
D.K. Metcalf led the Steelers with 850 receiving yards last season. Metcalf was on pace for 963 receiving yards before he missed the final two games because of a suspension.
George Pickens had 900 receiving yards for the Steelers in 2024. He missed three games that season, though, because of a hamstring issue.
The Steelers could have a lot of turnover at receiver this offseason. While Metcalf is under contract, Calvin Austin III, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Scotty Miller are pending free agents.
Austin was second for Steelers receivers in yardage the past two years.