The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will reportedly make retaining Mike Evans a “top priority” this offseason should the star wide receiver decide he’s not ready to hang up the cleats just yet.

Evans’ future in the NFL is clouded in doubt after the 32-year-old suffered a broken collarbone during the Buccaneers’ 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 7. He was subsequently placed on injured reserve, with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport estimating him to be sidelined for “eight weeks or fewer.”

Even before going down with a broken collarbone on ‘Monday Night Football,’ Evans missed three games this season upon sustaining a hamstring strain in Week 3. Given his age and series of health setbacks, fans and pundits alike have wondered if the 2025 campaign could be his last.

Addressing the situation on Friday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that while retirement “is on the table” for Evans, the Buccaneers would be more than happy to bring him back if he decides to play another year.

“He is a top priority because he’s a timeless offensive playmaker,” Fowler wrote. “Evans turned 32 in August and is out for an extended period because of a broken collarbone. Retirement is on the table, but he is still a force when healthy.

“It’s hard to envision him playing in any other color but Bucs pewter next season. The Bucs would like to keep their core together, a preference that will be tested with free agent tight end Cade Otton as well.”

When healthy, Evans has proven to be one of the most productive and dependable targets in the entire league. In 2024, he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th straight campaign — thereby tying Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

Yet Evans — who’s slated to become a free agent this upcoming offseason — is well aware that his time in the NFL is winding down. While making an appearance on the ‘Up & Adams’ show back in August, the 12-year veteran expressed confidence that he’d be able to play another 2-3 years at a high level — though his bold declaration came before the recent flurry of injuries.

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“Right now, I’m just focused on this season,” he said at the time. “This is the last year of my deal. I’m obviously an older player, but I feel great. Retirement at the end of the season isn’t off the table, and playing for, you know, 2-5 years is not off the table either.

“I know I’m not playing 5 more years, but right now, if you ask me today, it’s easy for me to say I can play another 2, 3 years. But, it’s a lot that goes into the season.”

While Evans didn’t commit to a set number of seasons he’ll play, the Galveston, Texas native asserted there’s only one team he’d suit up for. “Yeah, I’m a Buc for life. No matter what,” he said.