As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the possibility of Mike Evans moving on, fans are grappling with the idea of a lineup without their iconic wide receiver. Evans has been the heart and soul of the franchise for over a decade, but the NFL is a business, and change is inevitable. While Evans isn't officially out the door yet, signs suggest his departure might be on the horizon.
The Buccaneers have several paths to consider for filling the potential void left by Evans. With the offseason in full swing, teams are shuffling their rosters, and Tampa Bay has options. Let's dive into three realistic avenues the Bucs could explore.
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk is locked in with the 49ers until 2029, but that doesn't rule out a potential move. Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 season due to a significant injury, keeping fans and fantasy managers in suspense week after week.
Despite this setback, when healthy, Aiyuk was a crucial part of San Francisco's offense. With the 49ers narrowly missing a Super Bowl appearance without him, Tampa Bay might see this as the perfect moment to make a strategic play for Aiyuk, albeit with some risk involved.
Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Waddle remains under contract with the Dolphins, but Miami seems to be entering a rebuilding phase. The recent firing of head coach Mike McDaniel and their GM indicates a shift in strategy.
Uncertainty around Tua Tagovailoa's future could lead Miami to clear cap space, making Waddle a potential trade candidate. At 27, Waddle is still in his prime, and his addition could invigorate the Bucs' receiving corps.
However, the trade would need to be financially sensible, as Miami's asking price might be steep.
Stick with In-House Talent
Another option for Tampa Bay is to rely on their existing roster. With Chris Godwin Jr still in the mix and last year's first-round pick, Emeka Egbuka, proving his worth, the Bucs have a solid foundation.
Evans and Godwin's injuries last season allowed other receivers like Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson to step up, showcasing their potential. If maintaining support for Baker Mayfield is a priority, the Bucs could also consider drafting a receiver in the later rounds.
Mike Evans will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Buccaneers fans, but his potential departure doesn't have to define the team's future. Whether it's taking a chance on Brandon Aiyuk, making a bold move for Jaylen Waddle, or trusting their current roster, Tampa Bay has multiple paths forward. The decision isn't just about replacing Evans; it's about shaping the offense for 2026 and beyond.