NFL free agency will begin on March 11, with the legal tampering period starting on Monday. One of the biggest free agents on the market is legendary Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans.
Evans has dedicated all 12 seasons of his career to the Buccaneers. He has made 866 receptions for a total of 13,052 yards and scored 108 touchdowns, all of which are franchise records. Additionally, he tied Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, with a total of 11. However, that streak ended this year when Evans recorded only 368 yards and three touchdowns due to an injury-plagued season.
Advertisement
Evans is now available on the market, and according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, he has listed specific criteria for the teams he will consider in free agency.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) reacts after catching a pass against the Atlanta Falcons.© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
(© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)
“Mike Evans will limit his choices to a handful of teams in part because of his criteria,” Fowler wrote. “He wants a quarterback he believes in, a chance at a Super Bowl, a top-shelf offensive coordinator and the promise of high-volume touches. Only so many teams fit that mold. The Buccaneers will aggressively pursue re-signing Evans and met with his agent, Deryk Gilmore, on Thursday.”
Advertisement
As free agency opens, Evans controls the board. Tampa Bay remains firmly in the mix and is expected to push aggressively to keep its franchise icon in-house.
If Evans does reach the open market, several contenders check his boxes. The Buffalo Bills could pair him with Josh Allen to form one of the league’s most dangerous red-zone duos. The Kansas City Chiefs would offer immediate Super Bowl equity alongside Patrick Mahomes. Even the New England Patriots could emerge as a dark horse if they believe adding a proven veteran gets them over the hump of their Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Ultimately, this decision may come down to legacy. Evans can either cement his status as a Buccaneers lifer or chase another Lombardi Trophy elsewhere. With contenders lining up and Tampa Bay motivated to retain him, the coming days could reshape not just one franchise, but the balance of power across the AFC and NFC.
Advertisement
Related: Buccaneers Receive Positive Mike Evans Prediction
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.