Wide receiver Mike Evans appears ready to test the free-agent market and possibly move on from Tampa Bay.
Wide receiver Mike Evans appears ready to test the free-agent market and possibly move on from Tampa Bay.
Mike Evans plans to test the free-agent market. Consider it a warning siren for fans still hoping the best offensive player in franchise history finishes his career in Tampa Bay.
Evans’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, confirmed to the Tampa Bay Times on Sunday what he has been saying for the past few months. When the NFL free-agent negotiating period begins at noon Monday, Evans will consider any and all opportunities.
Unrestricted free agents can sign contracts beginning with the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Evans, who turns 33 in August, has said he believes he can play for two or three more seasons.
It would be the first time Evans has ever made it to free agency. He has signed three contracts with the Bucs. Two years ago, he avoided entering the market by agreeing to a two-year, $41 million deal a week before the signing period.
Evans is expected to have plenty of interest, reportedly from the 49ers, Chargers, Commanders and Giants. The Bills traded for Bears receiver DJ Moore, likely eliminating Buffalo as an option. The Chiefs and Texans, who had an interest in Evans two years ago, may not be options this time around.
Gilmore has talked about Evans’ desire to win and return to a Super Bowl, his disappointment over the way the 2025 season ended (with the Bucs missing the playoffs) and even referenced the need for a better backup quarterback.
Gilmore said Evans wanted Bucs fans to know that the team’s receiver position was in good hands with Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson all returning.
Evans played in only eight games in 2025 after struggling with a hamstring injury and fractured collar bone. He finished with a career-low 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns.
If Evans signs with another team, the Bucs will have to eat $13 million of dead money on the salary cap.
Godwin told the Tampa Bay Times on Friday that it would be “weird” to see Evans in another uniform.
“I hope that he’s here,” Godwin said. “I don’t know the intricacies of the deal. Everybody does their own thing. I don’t know what he’s willing to take and I don’t know what they’re willing to offer. But I hope that he’s back, for a lot of reasons, but he’s my brother.”
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