Feb. 13, 2026, 1:51 p.m. ET

In a recent PFF breakdown of top free-agent landing spots, Evans was ranked No. 13 overall, with Tampa Bay listed as his best fit. And honestly? It’s hard to argue with that.

Yes, Evans missed out on what would have been an NFL-record 12th straight 1,000-yard season. Yes, he’ll be 33 in 2026. But even in an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, Evans still posted a 70.0-plus PFF receiving grade, something he has done every single year of his 12-year career.

There has never been a season in which Mike Evans dipped below that mark. In a league that churns through wide receivers faster than almost any other position, that kind of production is almost unheard of. And the part that matters most for Tampa Bay: this isn’t just about legacy. It’s about fit. Since Baker Mayfield arrived in 2023, the Evans-Mayfield connection has been one of the NFL’s most productive duos. Over that span, Evans is one of just 12 receivers with a PFF receiving grade above 90.0. He ranks 11th in yards per route run (2.27), 15th in explosive receptions (79), and 15th in contested catches (42).

That last stat is vintage Evans. Even as the league trends toward speed and separation, Evans continues to dominate in tight coverage. He wins at the catch point. He wins in the red zone. He wins when the play breaks down, and the quarterback just needs someone to trust.

That trust matters, continuity matters.

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

When Evans missed time with both hamstring and collarbone injuries, it was heavily felt in the offense. The offense runs through 13 as it should. The Buccaneers have built their post-Tom Brady identity around stability. Re-signing Baker Mayfield. Developing a young defense. Keeping core leaders in place. Letting Evans walk in 2026 would create a massive void not just statistically, but culturally.

He’s the franchise’s all-time leader in nearly every major receiving category. He’s been there through the 2–14 rebuild years. Through the Super Bowl run. Through the transition back to relevance. Players like that don’t grow on trees.

And here’s the football reality: replacing his production is not easy. You can draft speed. You can sign a veteran slot option. But you don’t just stumble into a 6-foot-5 receiver who still commands double coverage, stretches the field, and wins 50/50 balls at an elite rate.

At 33, Evans may not be a long-term investment. But he doesn’t need to be. A short-term extension keeps the offense intact, preserves Mayfield’s top weapon, and allows Tampa Bay to manage the future on its own timeline. It keeps the best offensive player in the franchise’s history in the building. A Buccaneer for life.