Getty
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 12: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers points against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff at Raymond James Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders are in store for a huge offseason, especially when the team has the second-most cap space in the NFL at $91.5 million according to OvertheCap.com.
With the team likely selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick and the hiring of Klint Kubiak as head coach, the Raiders will be focused on revamping the offense this offseason.
While it’s evident the team needs to focus on the offensive line, the Raiders’ current wide receiver depth chart with Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Dont’e Thornton Jr. leaves little to be desired.
Here’s the thing: with Mendoza coming in as a rookie, it would be wise for Las Vegas to go after a proven veteran who can help him adjust to the NFL. This is where six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans comes into the picture.
Raiders Get Good News on Potential Pursuit of Mike Evans
Evans, who racked up over 13,000 receiving yards and 108 touchdowns in 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, plans on playing a 13th season, his agent Deryk Gilmore announced.
The good news for the Raiders? He plans on exploring his free agency options. Also, NFL insider Tony Pauline reported that it’s “less than 50-50” that Evans re-signs with the Bucs.
On February 10th, CBS Sports’ John Breech floated Evans as someone who can help Mendoza grow in Las Vegas.
“The only thing you want to do is bring in guys who can help your young quarterback. We know they have Brock Bowers. We know they have Ashton Jeanty. So they have the tight end situation settled. They have the running back situation settled. Why not go out there and get some receivers and some help on the offensive line? I think bringing in a veteran receiver would be interesting, someone like Mike Evans.”
Yes, he’s an older player who will be 33 years old by the time next season rolls around, but a legendary connection could lure Evans to Vegas.
WR Mike Evans WILL return in 2026.
His agents Deryk Gilmore + Darren Jones tell me the future HOFer will play this upcoming season — and *will* explore his free agency options.
One of the league’s most consistent playmakers will be back — but we’ll see if it’ll be w/ the #Bucs
The Tom Brady-Mike Evans Connection & Another Potential WR Target
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, who won a Super Bowl with Evans in Tampa back in 2020, had some high praise for the Bucs’ all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns.
“It’s been amazing to play with him,” Brady said regarding Evans. “I love playing with Mike; he’s been just spectacular from the day I met him, and admired him from afar for a long time, and just blessed to play with him.”
Again, even if the Raiders have the second-most cap space in the NFL, that doesn’t mean they should throw a bag at Evans. This also doesn’t mean that signing Evans won’t be the only wide receiver move that Las Vegas makes.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen connected Green Bay Packers free agent wide receiver Romeo Doubs to Las Vegas, writing, “The Raiders can add to their wide receiver room for new coach Klint Kubiak by signing Doubs. His ability to uncover and work the heavy traffic areas of the field would be great for the anticipated top pick Fernando Mendoza. A reliable pass catcher, Doubs had 55 receptions for 724 yards with the Packers in 2025.”
According to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, who covers the Packers, he said Doubs is “as good as gone.” He could be another intriguing option for the Raiders, but adding a proven vet like Evans on a cheaper short-term deal could be one of the most underrated moves any team makes this offseason.
Isaac Zuniga is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders. More about Isaac Zuniga
More Heavy on Raiders
Loading more stories