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“We’ve Love To Have Mike Back. He Knows How We Feel About Him”

February 24th, 2026

A possible return of Mike Evans makes Todd Bowles smile.

Interesting dynamics with Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht and Bucs coach Todd Bowles this afternoon concerning Mike Evans.

Licht, who seemed much more subdued today from the NFL beehive that is the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis than his normal outgoing self. Bowles was a little more animated.

Yes, Licht said he wants Evans back. Licht said he and Evans have a special connection since Evans was Licht’s very first draft pick. But Licht played poker, not saying much and trying not to get emotional or excited.

Bowles got excited talking about Evans. Dropping on with Bryant McFadden and Ran Carthon on the CBS set at the combine, Bowles made it clear about

t where he stands on Evans’ pending free agency.

“We’d love to have Mike back!” Bowles said. “He knows how we feel about him. We think the world of him.”

Oddly, almost as if it was rehearsed (ahem), Bowles repeated what Licht said earlier that a veteran Bucs star “earned the right” to shop himself around for the best deal.

Joe agrees. But if you want a guy so badly, a man who has always produced, if Evans earned the right to see what his market bears, that also means the Bucs may have to put their Team Glazer loot where their mouth is and have to pay Evans whatever the market is.

And that could be a hefty price.

Todd Bowles on the possibility of Mike Evans returning to the Buccaneers in 2026.

"We'd love to have Mike back…hopefully it works out."

🎙️: @BMac_SportsTalk pic.twitter.com/Q2eRtmEVqF

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) February 24, 2026