Target in 2026 free agency?
This is one reason why Joe was going so bonkers about getting a legit edge rusher.
Joe firmly believes unless something changes in a good way in the next 12 months, that this season could be the last one where a Super Bowl window is open for the Bucs. That’s because Mike Evans, 32, is in the final year of his contract.
Now Evans last year, despite missing four games with a blown hamstring, still got his magical 1,000 yards receiving which stretched his record to 11 straight seasons of 1,000 yards receiving, tying him with the great Jerry Rice.
So Evans still has it. Evans is one of the rare birds who is still an elite receiver even after turning 31 (Evans will be 32 in August).
It seems 30 is the black magic number for receivers. Not many are at or near the top of their game on the wrong side of 30. Devante Adams, same age as Evans, is a good example. He’s not much more than a (good) position receiver these days.
Evans last year showed he can still burn people on go-routes.
So over at BSPN, former safety and current Chicago-area high school coach Matt Bowen took a look ahead at next year’s crop of free agents. This season is a contract year for Evans and Bowen believes Evans will [have multiple offers](https://www.espn.com.au/nfl/story/_/id/44288689/2026-nfl-free-agency-early-look-top-players-quarterbacks-available) from NFL teams.
> The 2014 first-round pick has been the model of consistency. Evans has produced more than 1,000 receiving yards in all 10 of his pro seasons with Tampa Bay, while scoring double-digit touchdowns in four of his past five seasons. Evans will turn 32 this August, but he’ll have suitors if he hits free agency.
Well, let’s think about this: If Evans has yet another 1,000-yard receiving season, somebody will throw cash at him. If a team (allegedly) was willing to back up a Brink’s truck for Chris Godwin (who, let’s be real: he’s currently damaged goods) what do you think a healthy Evans would pull?
Now there isn’t a huge market for a 33-year old receiver, which Evans will be in 2026. But for a contending team looking for a proven, high-level offensive weapon to get them over the hump, Evans would be a helluva prize.