Mike Evans’ Best Fit
February 19th, 2026
Home cooking.
Joe feels panic in the air from Bucs fans. Joe doesn’t think there is any reason to wig out.
Sure, when folks hear that Mike Evans plans to sniff around other good teams to decide where he is going to play football this fall, Joe gets that people will get nervous.
This intel came from Evans’ agent this week. And Deryk Gilmore is a known fearmonger.
The only worry Joe has with Evans possibly leaving if he thinks that the defensive meltdown against Atlanta that basically cost the Bucs a playoff berth will be the norm in 2026.
In other words, Joe is guessing that Bucs coach Todd Bowles is going to have to sell Evans that Bowles will make the defense better.
Because of this week’s news that Evans is expected to shop around, there are all kinds of stories about what teams would be the best landing spot for Evans. Karl Rasmussen of SI.com is no different.
However, Rasmussen seems to think the best landing spot for Evans is right here where Evans started and belongs. In Tampa.
Just because Evans is going to explore his options in free agency doesn’t mean his departure is inevitable. Leaving the organization where he’s spent his entire career will be a difficult decision, and if he doesn’t receive a substantial offer in free agency he could very well opt to return to Tampa Bay in 2026.
The Buccaneers have been to the playoffs in five of the last six seasons, missing out in 2025 for the first time since 2019. Although the team underperformed last year, the playoffs are very much in reach for Tampa Bay. The team has strong pieces in place, with a solid offensive line and one of the game’s best quarterbacks in Baker Mayfield, foundations not every team can offer to the 32-year-old this offseason.
Yeah, Joe doesn’t see Evans going to some team that has no recent history of making the playoffs. If he’s going anywhere it is likely to a place that has a veteran stud quarterback (Chiefs, Bills) or a team close to his home in the Houston area that has a ferocious defense, an OK young quarterback and a dire need for a receiver (Texans).
Evans might just be better where he started. Right here with the Bucs.