After missing the postseason despite a strong start to the 2025 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could lose top weapon Mike Evans during the offseason. According to sources, it appears that Evans isn’t retiring as expected and might give it one more run, but it probably won’t be with the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay was on one of the best starts in the NFC, but after losing six crucial matchups, the Panthers won the division and snuck themselves into the wild-card. Evans had his fair share of frustrations on the field and is slated to become a free agent in March, which would allow him to pick what he wants to do.

While quarterback Baker Mayfield is confident that Evans will return, the Buccaneers haven’t given the receiver a contract yet. At age 32, time is running out for the six-time Pro Bowler.

$52 Million Superstar Mike Evans Projected to Leave Buccaneers in Free Agency

Evans already has a Super Bowl ring in his NFL career, but it doesn’t mean he won’t be chasing another. The former first-round pick has spent his entire career with the Buccaneers, so it could be hard to envision him lacing up with another team. However, the Buccaneers have already made adjustments in their offense, drafting emerging No. 1 receiver Emeka Egbuka, who is projected to be the long-term answer for Mayfield.

Evan is coming off his worst season statistically as a Buccaneer, recording under 400 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The future Hall of Famer has options this offseason, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he wants to test the market, and these three teams could take advantage of the opportunity.

Potential Next Teams
Dallas Cowboys

This might be the perfect destination for Evans. The Dallas Cowboys are a better team than they were last season, and after hiring Christian Parker as their defensive coordinator, the future is bright. With the team expected to improve on defense, the Cowboys should be back in the postseason as long as Dak Prescott continues to thrive. He should be able to make a deep run in the NFC Championship Game if they sign Evans while extending George Pickens.

The Cowboys haven’t started negotiations with Pickens, but once they do, they should focus on bringing in a potential veteran wideout on a low-stakes deal. Evans isn’t going to fetch a huge contract if it means playing for his hometown team.

Los Angeles Chargers

Meanwhile, after firing Greg Roman, the Los Angeles Chargers should plan to overhaul their passing offense for Justin Herbert. The Chargers haven’t had a legitimate receiving core group since the prime Mike Williams and Keenan Allen days. It’s time for the team to put the nostalgia on the shelf and embrace the new era led by new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. While it’s rumored they could sign Tyreek Hill once he’s released to reunite with McDaniels, they should still sign Evans on a one-year bargain.

Evans, Hill and Ladd McConkey a part of one squad, should be enough firepower for Herbert to make a run in the divisional round, at least.

Kansas City Chiefs

Nobody should rule out the Chiefs keeping tabs on Evans. Kansas City should be back in the postseason next year if the team reduces its cap space to make room to grow its roster. Unfortunately, they’ll probably lose Marquise Brown in free agency, while Rashee Rice might be suspended. Tyquan Thornton could bolt as well, and if Brown and Thornton leave, Evans might be a solid bargain grab to help Xavier Worthy for Patrick Mahomes’ offense.