March 4, 2026, 5:07 p.m. ET

The Washington Commanders are one of the most fascinating teams one week ahead of free agency. Washington has a lot of needs and plenty of money to spend. When the Commanders officially release cornerback Marshon Lattimore, they’ll have approximately $90 million in cap room. An extension with five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil will create additional cap room.

So, it’s no surprise that Washington is connected to some of the top names available. One such is future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Evans, 32, has spent his entire 12-year NFL career in Tampa Bay and could leave this offseason. Several receiver-needy teams could look at Evans as a potential short-term solution.

NFL insider Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports named the Commanders as one five teams to watch for Evans if he doesn’t re-sign with the Buccaneers.

It is still early, but Houston and Kansas City don’t seem to be in on Evans, according to sources. If Evans does not return to Tampa Bay, keep an eye on the Bills, Chargers, 49ers, Commanders and Giants. His price is going to be difficult to gauge, though. He will be 33 this season coming off an injured year, and there aren’t many comparisons to him out there. Evans may aim for something close to $25 million per year in what would amount to a two-year deal, but sources believe he will get something closer to $20 million per year.

Some Washington fans may not want to pursue Evans due to his age. Remember, Washington’s mission this offseason was to get “younger and faster.” Evans wouldn’t necessarily help the Commanders in either area, but he’s the type of player who is the exception. A six-time Pro Bowler, Evans tied Jerry Rice (11) for the most consecutive years of 1,000 yards receiving or more. Unfortunately for Evans, he couldn’t break the record in 2025 because he suffered a hamstring injury and a broken clavicle, costing him nine games.

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Should those injuries scare Washington? The Commanders must take everything into consideration after being the NFL’s most-injured team last season. He returned late in the season and went for over 100 yards in a game, proving he can still play at a high level.

It will be interesting to see how Evans’ market unfolds if the Bucs can’t agree to a new deal before next week.