The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into a pivotal offseason, and they’ll be doing it with a new voice calling the shots on offense. Zac Robinson, formerly with the Atlanta Falcons, has been hired as the Bucs’ offensive coordinator. He steps into a situation that’s equal parts promising and uncertain - especially when it comes to the future of one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
A New System, Familiar Weapons - For Now
Robinson inherits a unit led by Baker Mayfield, who showed significant growth last season and developed strong chemistry with a talented group of pass-catchers. But one of those weapons - and arguably the most important one - might not be back.
Mike Evans, the face of Tampa Bay’s receiving corps for the past decade, is set to hit free agency. And while there’s been no official word on whether he plans to retire or test the open market, the uncertainty around his future looms large over the Bucs’ offseason plans.
Evans’ Value: Beyond the Numbers
Evans isn’t just a productive wideout - he’s a cornerstone of the franchise. He’s been the constant through coaching changes, quarterback shuffles, and a Super Bowl run. But at 32, the question isn’t just whether he can still produce (he can), it’s what kind of deal makes sense for both sides.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, Evans’ camp may look to a recent comp in Davante Adams, who signed a two-year, $44 million deal with the Rams that included $26 million guaranteed. That’s a hefty number, especially for a team like Tampa Bay that has other roster holes to patch.
Still, Evans isn’t just any player. He’s a franchise icon, and that changes the calculus.
Teams often make exceptions for players who’ve meant as much to their organization as Evans has to the Bucs. And it’s hard to picture him suiting up in another jersey come 2026.
The Balancing Act
Here’s where it gets tricky. The Buccaneers need to be smart - both financially and culturally.
Overpaying for a player based on past contributions rather than future production can put a team in a bind. But lowballing someone like Evans?
That sends the wrong message to the locker room and the fanbase.
A middle ground could be something like a one-year deal in the $15 million range - enough to show respect and keep the door open without tying up long-term cap space. But all of that hinges on one key factor: does Evans want to keep playing?
If he decides to hang it up, then the conversation shifts entirely. But if he’s still got the fire - and based on his play last season, there’s no reason to think he doesn’t - then Tampa Bay has a decision to make. And it’s one they simply can’t afford to get wrong.
Because whether it’s Zac Robinson drawing up plays or Baker Mayfield slinging the ball, having No. 13 on the field still makes a difference.