The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into a pivotal offseason, and one of the biggest questions on their plate centers around a franchise cornerstone: wide receiver Mike Evans.
Evans, now 32, is a name synonymous with the Bucs’ rise over the past decade. He's been a model of consistency since entering the league in 2014, racking up 1,000-yard seasons like clockwork-11 in a row, to be exact, before an injury-shortened 2025 campaign interrupted the streak.
A collarbone injury limited him to just eight games this past season, where he posted 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns. Even so, when he was on the field, he remained a reliable presence in Tampa Bay’s offense.
But with free agency looming, the Bucs have a decision to make: bring back the veteran on a new deal or let him walk.
One potential landing spot that's starting to make a lot of sense? Buffalo.
The Bills are in a spot where adding a proven, physical outside receiver could make a real difference. Their receiving corps lacked depth in 2025, especially on the perimeter, and when injuries hit late in the year, the lack of a true vertical threat became even more apparent.
Statistically, Buffalo ranked near the bottom of the league in receptions on passes of 20+ yards-sixth fewest, to be exact. That’s not where you want to be when you’ve got a cannon-armed quarterback like Josh Allen.
Enter Evans, who has made a career out of winning on the outside and stretching defenses vertically. His 6-foot-5 frame, strong hands, and savvy route running make him an ideal target for Allen, particularly in the red zone, where Evans has long been one of the NFL’s most dangerous weapons. Even if he's no longer in his prime, he still profiles as a high-level contributor who can tilt coverage and make contested catches in key moments.
Financially, the fit is plausible too. Spotrac projects Evans to command a short-term deal in the neighborhood of $13 million per year.
That’s not a bargain-bin price tag, but it’s also not top-of-the-market money for a player with his résumé. The Bills are currently projected to be about $14 million under the cap, and while that margin is slim, GM Brandon Beane has shown a knack for maneuvering the numbers-whether it’s through restructures, cuts, or backloaded deals.
If Buffalo can clear the space, Evans could be exactly the kind of veteran addition that helps push them over the top. Allen thrives when he has reliable weapons, and while the team has invested in younger receivers, a seasoned, physical presence like Evans could bring much-needed balance to the passing game.
For Tampa Bay, the decision won’t be easy. Evans is more than just a player-he’s a face of the franchise, a leader in the locker room, and a key figure in the team’s Super Bowl run. But football is a business, and with the Bucs potentially looking to get younger or reallocate cap space, letting Evans explore the market might be the path they choose.
Wherever he lands, Evans still has gas in the tank. And if it’s in Buffalo, don’t be surprised if he becomes a key piece in another playoff push-this time in blue and red.