Mike Evans’ Future Is Up in the Air - And the Chiefs Could Be Waiting
Mike Evans is one of the most consistent wide receivers of his generation - a future Hall of Famer with a résumé that speaks for itself. But as the NFL offseason heats up, so does the uncertainty around where the 12-year veteran will suit up in 2026. While a return to Tampa Bay remains on the table, there’s a growing sense that Evans could be headed elsewhere - and yes, Kansas City is very much in the conversation.
Let’s be clear: Buccaneers fans aren’t going to like hearing this. But the possibility of Evans catching passes from Patrick Mahomes is real.
It’s not just a fantasy football fever dream - it’s rooted in history. Before the 2024 season, Evans admitted he nearly joined the Chiefs.
That decision ultimately swung back to Tampa, but it showed there’s mutual interest between the two sides. That door was never fully closed.
Now, with free agency looming and the league year opening on March 11, the buzz is back. NFL insider Tony Pauline recently reported that sources close to the situation see Evans’ chances of re-signing in Tampa as a coin flip - a true 50/50. That leaves the Bucs in a precarious spot and opens the door for contenders like Buffalo and New England to enter the conversation.
But Kansas City? That’s the one that could shake up the league.
Evans Wants to Win - and Time Is Ticking
Evans is heading into his age-33 season, and while he’s still producing at a high level, he knows the window to chase another Super Bowl is narrowing. He’s not looking to rebuild.
He’s looking to contend. That’s why the Bucs’ current trajectory might not be enough to keep him in pewter and red.
This isn’t unprecedented. We’ve seen star receivers take similar paths late in their careers.
Julio Jones, one of the best to ever do it in Atlanta, bounced between teams in his 30s - including a stint with the Bucs - in search of that elusive ring. Stefon Diggs, after long runs with the Vikings and Bills, has spent the past two seasons with the Texans and Patriots, narrowly missing out on a title.
These guys aren’t just chasing stats anymore - they’re chasing legacy.
Evans could be next in that line. And if health holds up - a fair question after injuries have taken their toll in recent seasons - there’s no reason to believe he won’t be on the field in 2026, wherever that may be.
Why the Chiefs Make Sense - and Why It’s Scary for the Rest of the League
Let’s talk fit. The Chiefs have question marks at wide receiver.
Rashee Rice emerged as a dynamic option, and rookie Xavier Worthy brings serious speed to the table. But neither brings what Evans does: physicality, contested catch ability, and a red zone presence that demands respect.
Rice and Worthy thrive in space - jet sweeps, quick outs, deep shots. Evans?
He’s the guy who boxes out defenders, wins jump balls, and moves the chains on third-and-eight. He’s the security blanket Mahomes hasn’t really had since Travis Kelce’s prime.
And pairing those two would be a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
A one-year deal with the Chiefs wouldn’t just be plausible - it might be ideal for both sides. Kansas City gets a proven veteran to stabilize a young receiver room.
Evans gets a legitimate shot at another ring. And let’s not forget: the Chiefs are coming off a down year by their standards.
They’ll be aggressive in retooling, and adding a player like Evans would be a statement move.
What’s Next?
For now, it’s a waiting game. Free agency doesn’t officially begin until March 11, and until then, Evans’ future will remain one of the offseason’s biggest question marks.
The Bucs still have a chance to bring him back. But if they can’t convince him that they’re ready to contend, don’t be surprised if Evans takes his talents elsewhere - and don’t be shocked if that “elsewhere” is Kansas City.
Because while nobody outside of Missouri may be rooting for it, the idea of Mike Evans in a Chiefs uniform is very much alive - and it could be the move that tips the balance of power in the AFC yet again.