Mike Evans is set to make a return to the NFL gridiron for his 13th season in 2026, but the big question is: where will he land? His agent, Deryk Gilmore, has kept the door wide open, confirming that while a return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is possible, Evans is exploring all options.
"He is opening it up," Gilmore shared. "He will play next season with someone.
It could be Tampa. But he will definitely play a 13th season."
Evans faced some tough breaks in the 2025 season, battling a hamstring injury and a broken clavicle that kept him sidelined for much of the year. Yet, upon his return, even at 32, he showed flashes of his former brilliance, proving he still has plenty to offer on the field.
If Tampa Bay isn’t in his future, the Pittsburgh Steelers are rumored to be interested. Pairing Evans with DK Metcalf could create a formidable duo, especially considering Metcalf was often left to carry the load alone last season. The thought of these two towering receivers lining up together is enough to give opposing defenses nightmares, particularly if Aaron Rodgers, one of the game's great deep ball artists, decides to join the Steelers for another run.
Rodgers’ plans for 2026 remain uncertain, but the prospect of throwing to Evans and Metcalf might just be the kind of challenge that entices him to suit up one more time.