Mike Evans has been one of the best wide receivers in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history and has been consistently productive during his NFL career. His legendary run with the franchise could be coming to an end this year, as he’s currently a pending free agent.
Their general manager, Jason Licht, recently gave an update on the situation and revealed their plan for the veteran.
Mike Evans’ Buccaneers Career Could Be Ending Amid His Pending Free Agency
Evans is the only wide receiver in NFL history to begin their career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. All of them were with the Buccaneers, but his iconic streak came to an end last year. Some of this was due to him missing 9 games with injuries, but he also averaged a career-low yards per game.
He will turn 33 before the 2026 NFL season and is currently under contract. Unless he signs an extension soon, he will officially become an unrestricted free agent. Licht recently addressed the franchise’s preference for his future.
“We would love to have Mike back,” stated Licht.
“We would love to have Mike back,” Jason Licht says of WR Mike Evans. Notes that Evans has earned the right to see what his options are during free agency. Bucs will be talking with his agent this week.
— Brianna Dix (@briannadixNFL) February 24, 2026
Wanting him back isn’t enough; they will need to offer him a new contract to keep him in Tampa Bay. Licht followed up by responding to the idea that Evans will test the free agency market this year.
“He’s earned the right to with his resume,” added Licht.
Bucs GM Jason Licht says he will meet with Deryk Gilmore, the agent for Mike Evans, in Indianapolis. “Yeah, love Mike, and we love to have Mike back,” Licht said. “And he’s earned the right to with his resume…and Mike as a person, what he’s meant to this entire community, fan…
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) February 24, 2026
The general manager also speculated on whether or not the Buccaneers would be given any sort of priority as he explores potential offers as a free agent. Rob Maaddi reported on the situation with his response.
“Licht said he isn’t sure if the team would get an opportunity to match or beat an offer that Mike Evans gets from another team,” said Maaddi.
Often, when a franchise legend tests the free agent market, they bring their best offer back to their former team and give them a chance to match or beat it.
Licht said he isn’t sure if the team would get an opportunity to match or beat an offer that Mike Evans gets from another team. https://t.co/8U38L5IeMP
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) February 24, 2026
Licht apparently isn’t convinced Evans will do that for them, suggesting either the wide receiver is ready to move on or the franchise has no intention of bringing him back.
The veteran finished a career-worst 65th among wide receivers in the PFSN NFL WR Impact Rankings and played in his fewest games in any season so far.
Add in his advanced age and a loaded Buccaneers wide receiver room, and it makes sense why they haven’t prioritized extending his contract.
