New Mike Evans Rumors Update Potential Bucs Contract Talks, Franchise Tag Ahead of NFL Free Agency

Having already confirmed he will play in 2026, Mike Evans could become a true free agent for the first time in his NFL career.

Per ESPN's Jenna Laine, there is a feeling within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization that Evans "deserves" to hit the open market—rather than getting the franchise tag—after giving them 12 years of high-level play.

Laine noted it's "technically" possible the Bucs could use the franchise tag to keep Evans or use that to move him in a trade and get something back, but the tag value for receivers is projected at $28.8 million that would immediately go against their cap.

Speaking to ESPN's Kimberley Martin, Evans' agents, Deryk Gilmore and Darren Jones, confirmed the six-time Pro Bowler was going to play in 2026. He is set to become a free agent next month.

According to Laine, Gilmore does plan to sit down with Bucs officials in the next couple weeks to see what their offer for Evans might look like.

Evans has never hit free agency in his career. He came close two years ago prior to agreeing to a two-year, $52 million deal to remain with Tampa Bay a week before the free-agent period opened.

There has been a decline in Evans' production over the past two seasons due in part to injuries. He missed three games in 2024 due to a hamstring strain. His streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career ended in 2025 due to a hamstring strain and fractured clavicle that caused him to miss nine games.

Evans had 11 seasons with at least 1,000 yards to start his career, the longest streak to begin a career in NFL history. He had just 368 yards in 2025 due to his time missed.

Now at 32 years old, Evans is unlikely to be the game-changing wideout he was at the peak of his career for the Bucs. But his size and ability to win in traffic will certainly make him an attractive target for teams that need pass-catching help.

Evans is Tampa's all-time franchise leader in receptions (866), receiving yards (13,052) and receiving touchdowns (108). He won a Super Bowl with the team during the 2020 season.