Mike Evans has never been one to fly under the radar. Since entering the league, he’s been a model of consistency - 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons, a record-setting stretch that made him one of the most reliable wideouts in the NFL.
But in 2025, that streak came to a halt. A broken collarbone limited Evans to just eight games, and for the first time in his career, he didn’t hit that 1,000-yard mark.
Naturally, that’s sparked plenty of conversation about what’s next for the veteran receiver - and whether his next chapter will be written in Tampa Bay or elsewhere.
What we do know: Evans isn’t calling it quits just yet. He’s coming back for the 2026 season.
But whether that return comes in a Buccaneers uniform remains a real question. According to recent reports, Tampa Bay could be ready to move on this offseason, potentially ending one of the most productive wide receiver-team partnerships of the past decade.
That kind of news doesn’t stay quiet for long. Unsurprisingly, several teams have already been linked to Evans, and one franchise in particular stands out: the Buffalo Bills. A recent prediction from CBS Sports has Evans landing in Buffalo in free agency - a move that would immediately reshape the Bills’ offense and give Josh Allen the kind of proven WR1 he’s been missing since Stefon Diggs departed following the 2023 season.
Evans may be on the wrong side of 30, but his play in 2025 - even in limited action - showed he’s still got gas in the tank. After returning from injury, he reminded everyone why he’s been such a dominant force for so long. His chemistry with Baker Mayfield was still evident, and the two connected for some vintage Evans moments that sparked life into Tampa Bay’s offense down the stretch.
That said, the Buccaneers’ offense could look very different in 2026. If Evans walks, it’s not just about replacing a player - it’s about replacing a tone-setter, a red-zone threat, and one of the most physically dominant receivers in the game. And for a team like Buffalo, that kind of presence could be exactly what they need to finally get over the hump in the AFC.
Josh Allen has proven time and again that he can carry an offense, but the lack of a true go-to receiver has been noticeable. Evans would bring size, experience, and a knack for making contested catches - traits that would fit seamlessly into the Bills’ high-powered attack. And with Buffalo still chasing that elusive Super Bowl appearance, adding a battle-tested veteran like Evans could be the kind of move that puts them right back in the title conversation.
Of course, nothing’s official yet. Free agency is still ahead, and Evans’ future remains one of the more intriguing storylines of the offseason.
But if the Bucs are indeed ready to move on, there’s no shortage of teams that would love to add a player of his caliber. And if the Bills are at the front of that line, don’t be surprised - because Mike Evans still has plenty of big plays left in him.