“I Don’t Think We Would Allow That To Happen”
February 23rd, 2026
“Jason, I know this isn’t real.”
Interesting choice of words today by a Buccaneers legend.
Hall of Fame Bucs cornerback Rondé Barber hopped on WDAE radio to talk about the state of the Bucs and the big PGA Tour event coming up in Tampa.
The subject of Mike Evans’ future arose and Barber, who loves to talk about his deep connections and relationships inside One Buc Palace, won’t permit himself to consider Evans moving on from Tampa Bay. Barber wouldn’t talk about potential other fits for the greatest receiver in Bucs history.
“I don’t think we would allow that to happen,” Barber said. “And I hope we don’t.”
Joe was intrigued to hear Barber say he doesn’t think Team Glazer and Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht will “allow” Evans to walk. Could that mean the franchise tag is an option for Tampa Bay?
The deadline to use the tag on Evans is March 3. The team and Evans could then negotiate a new contract until mid-July as long as Evans doesn’t sign the tag agreement, roughly a $28 million contract.
That’s a steep price for Evans, but Joe has no doubt Evans will find market for at least $20 million for 2026.
Heck, coming off a torn ACL, then-31-year-old Stefon Diggs got $23 million a year in free agency last year from New England on a multi-year deal.
Barber seems to know what Joe believes — that the Bucs won’t give Evans a reason to think about leaving town.
