Carlton Davis Stirs the Pot on Mike Evans’ Future - But Is a Return to Tampa Still in the Cards?
Carlton Davis didn’t exactly close the door on a Mike Evans return to Tampa Bay - but he might’ve nudged it open just enough to get people talking.
While speaking at a Super Bowl LX event this week, the former Buccaneers cornerback - now with the Patriots - was asked about his longtime teammate’s future. His response?
“I know he wants to stay, but sometimes it's a business; it doesn't always work out.” It’s a line that carries weight, especially coming from someone who shared a locker room with Evans for six seasons and knows firsthand how unpredictable NFL careers can be.
Evans, of course, has spent his entire 12-year career in Tampa Bay. He’s the face of the franchise, the Bucs’ all-time leader in nearly every receiving category, and a future Ring of Honor lock.
So the idea of him suiting up for anyone else - or stepping away entirely - feels jarring. But Davis’ comment adds another layer to an offseason already swirling with uncertainty around Evans’ next move.
Let’s not forget: Davis himself was part of Tampa’s core before he was traded to Detroit in 2024, only to later sign with New England. So when he says, “it doesn’t always work out,” he’s not just talking about Evans - he’s speaking from experience. And that adds a little more gravity to his words.
Still, not everyone around the Bucs is sounding the alarm. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who developed solid chemistry with Evans over the past two seasons, is reportedly optimistic about a reunion in 2026. The veteran wideout is said to be taking time to evaluate his next step, but the expectation - at least from those close to the team - is that he’s leaning toward giving it one more go.
And let’s be honest: it’s hard to imagine Evans walking away after the kind of season he just had.
For the first time in his career, Evans failed to hit the 1,000-yard receiving mark - a streak that had become one of the most consistent benchmarks in the league. Injuries played a major role, limiting him to just seven full games.
Even when he was on the field, the production wasn’t what we’re used to seeing. He averaged just 46 yards per game - a steep drop from 71 in 2024, and well below his previous career low of 62 back in 2020.
But here’s the thing: even in a down year, Evans was still a focal point of the offense. He led the team in targets in five of the seven full games he played, despite the rise of young receiver Emeka Egbuka. That tells you something - the trust in Evans hasn’t wavered, and his ability to draw attention from defenses remains elite.
Which brings us to the bigger picture. The Bucs are coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign, one that saw their four-year reign atop the NFC South come to an end.
But they’re not in full rebuild mode. This is still a roster with talent, and with a few tweaks - and a healthy Mike Evans - they could be right back in the playoff mix.
Head coach Todd Bowles and the front office know what Evans means to this team, both on the field and in the locker room. If he wants to come back, the door is wide open. And for Evans, the competitor and future Hall of Famer, it’s hard to imagine him wanting his final chapter to be written after such a frustrating season.
So while Carlton Davis’ comments may have sparked some doubt, the signs still point to one more ride in Tampa for No. 13. And if that happens, don’t be surprised if the Bucs - with a healthy Evans and a motivated core - make another push to go from good to great.
Because if Mike Evans is suiting up in pewter and red next fall, the Bucs are still very much in the fight.