Touchdowns are Mike Evans’ specialty. The veteran wideout eclipsed 100 career receiving touchdowns in 2024 as well as 11 on the season despite missing multiple games with a hamstring injury, proving yet again that age hasn’t slowed down his production.

Heading into 2025, the question is whether Evans can hit double-digit touchdowns for a seventh time in his career. Based on his role, the Buccaneers’ schedule, and his red-zone chemistry with Baker Mayfield, the answer is a strong yes.

Still the red-zone alpha in the Bucs offense

Evans doesn’t rely on speed to score, he wins with size, body control, and physicality. That makes him an ideal red-zone weapon, even at age 32. Mayfield knows it. In 2024, Evans saw 22 red-zone targets, converting 10 into touchdowns. Few receivers in the league are more trusted inside the 10-yard line than Mike Evans.

Tampa’s offense hasn’t changed much, either. New offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard inherits a system that made Evans a primary scoring threat. Even with rookie Emeka Egbuka and a healthy Chris Godwin, Evans remains the top option in the RedZone.

Matchups on the schedule that favor Evans

The Buccaneers’ 2025 schedule offers several favorable scoring opportunities. They’ll face some of the NFL’s weakest red-zone defenses from 2024:

Patriots (Week 10): Ranked 30th in pass defense and allowed a 66% TD rate in the red zone.Panthers (Weeks 14 & 17): Finished last in scoring defense and surrendered a combined 215 yards and three touchdowns to Evans in 2024.Cardinals (Week 15): Allowed the fourth-most passing TDs last season.Jets & Saints: Both ranked bottom-10 in red-zone scoring percentage allowed.

He has an age-proof skillset

Unlike speed-based receivers, Evans’ game ages well. His size and route leverage continue to create mismatch problems, especially near the goal line. Think Larry Fitzgerald or Jimmy Graham in their later years, where their athleticism may not be that of five years ago but still dominant. Evans fits that mold.

Mike’s career average is nearly nine touchdowns per season, and that includes years with less effective quarterbacks than Mayfield. With Mayfield back and the Bucs pushing for another playoff run, expect Evans to remain a focal point in scoring situations. Given his usage, schedule, and skill set, Evans is well-positioned to crack 10 touchdowns again in 2025.

Prediction: Mike Evans finishes 2025 with 12 receiving touchdowns