Mike Evans’ future remains a coveted prize in the 2026 free agent cycle. After 12 seasons in Tampa Bay, the six-time Pro Bowler is positioned to test the open market for the first time in his career. One projection has the veteran wide receiver landing in Pittsburgh.
Analyst Projects WR Mike Evans to the Pittsburgh Steelers
PFSN’s Jacob Infante named the Pittsburgh Steelers as a logical destination should Evans depart Tampa Bay. Evans, who has 108 career touchdown receptions, has been one of the league’s most consistent perimeter threats since entering the NFL in 2014.
According to Pro Football Reference, Evans has totaled 13,052 receiving yards and 108 touchdowns across his career. Before his injury-shortened 2025 season, he opened his career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns, tying Jerry Rice for the longest such streak in NFL history.
Tampa Bay finished 8-9 in 2025 and missed the playoffs after failing to win the NFC South. The Buccaneers’ offense ranked 21st in PFSN’s Offense Impact (OFFi) Metric, while the defense ranked 19th in the Defense Impact (DEFi). Despite Evans’ production when healthy, the overall team’s performance suggested it might be at a crossroads.
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Evans turns 33 during the 2026 season and is slated to become a free agent. Tampa Bay used a first-round pick on Emeka Egbuka in 2025 and has continued to integrate younger receivers into its rotation. There are questions about how the franchise will allocate resources at the position moving forward.
Steelers Offensive Direction Under Mike McCarthy is Unknown
Infante’s projection centers on roster construction in Pittsburgh. The Steelers enter the 2026 offseason with DK Metcalf as their primary outside receiver. No other Pittsburgh wideout surpassed 400 receiving yards in 2025, forcing the offense to rely heavily on running backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Pittsburgh ranked 14th in PFSN’s OFFi Metric last season. Its defense ranked 16th in DEFi. The Steelers captured the AFC North but were eliminated in the postseason in the Wild Card round by the Houston Texans.
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The organization is beginning a new offensive chapter under head coach Mike McCarthy. It remains unclear whether Aaron Rodgers will return, though multiple reports have indicated mutual interest between the quarterback and the franchise.
Adam Thielen has retired, and the Steelers must determine how to structure their passing attack around Metcalf, Calvin Austin and running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren.
Adding Evans would introduce another established perimeter option with a long record of red-zone production. His size and catch ability would complement Metcalf’s profile and provide a boost to an offense undergoing transition.
Evans’ status in Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation will shape how realistic that pairing becomes as free agency approaches.
