As the offseason buzz picks up steam, all eyes are on Tampa Bay Buccaneers' wide receiver Mike Evans. Entering the offseason without a fresh contract, Evans has already voiced his intent to play a 13th NFL season in 2026. Despite his age and a few injury setbacks, this future Hall of Famer is sure to attract interest from teams across the league.
Many have speculated that Evans might be on the move, but NFL Insider James Palmer suggests otherwise. On Friday's episode of Scoop City, Palmer shared his insights, hinting that Tampa might still be Evans' top destination.
“I’ll sound crazy here, I think it’s Tampa [the most likely destination],” Palmer stated, pointing out the unique vibe the Buccaneers have cultivated. He reminded fans that Chris Godwin took a pay cut to stay in Tampa, despite a more lucrative offer from New England. Could Evans be considering a similar path?
The allure of the NFC South can't be ignored. With the division's competitive landscape, securing a home playoff game might only require eight or nine wins.
Last season was a rollercoaster for the Buccaneers. A promising 6-2 start fizzled into an 8-9 finish, with the Carolina Panthers clinching the NFC South through a tiebreaker. Yet, Tampa previously topped the division in the three seasons prior with eight, nine, and ten wins, respectively.
Evans has already achieved an incredible milestone, being the only player to kick off his career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, surpassing the legendary Jerry Rice. At this stage, adding a championship to his resume might be a top priority.
Interestingly, Evans' game has never relied heavily on speed, setting him apart from many of his peers. Standing at 6-foot-5, his game thrives on body control and exceptional hands, particularly in the red zone. These attributes make him a valuable asset, one whose skills won't easily diminish with age.
As teams eye this talented wideout, the Buccaneers face a challenging task if they wish to keep him in Tampa. The decision could shape the team's future, making this offseason one to watch closely.