TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay Buccaneers icon Mike Evans has officially put retirement rumors to rest. On Tuesday, February 17 2026, agents for the legendary wide receiver confirmed that Evans will return for a 13th NFL season, though his future in Tampa remains uncertain as he prepares to hit the open market in March.
The announcement comes just hours after Evans’ representation dismissed “clickbait” speculation regarding his potential departure from the game. While the 32-year-old wideout has spent his entire career with the Buccaneers, he is now expected to explore free agency options, sparking immediate interest from Super Bowl contenders across the league.
A Hall of Fame Resume
Evans enters the 2026 offseason as one of the most decorated receivers in NFL history. Over 12 seasons, he has amassed 13,052 receiving yards and 109 touchdowns. His consistency is nearly unparalleled; he holds the NFL record for the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start a career with 10, a streak that only recently ended during an injury-hampered 2025 campaign.
Currently, Evans ranks ninth in NFL history for receiving touchdowns and 21st in all-time receiving yards. Among active players, he trails only DeAndre Hopkins in career yardage, cementing his status as a likely first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Free Agency Landing Spots: Bills, 49ers, and Jaguars
With the legal tampering period approaching in March, several teams have already emerged as potential suitors for the six-time Pro Bowler:
- Buffalo Bills: Analysts have identified Buffalo as a leading destination, where Evans could provide Josh Allen with the elite perimeter threat the team has lacked since trading Stefon Diggs.
- San Francisco 49ers: Rumors suggest the 49ers view Evans as the “missing piece” to fix their depth issues at wide receiver and provide a massive red-zone target for Brock Purdy.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: A potential reunion with former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen has made Jacksonville a “dream” scenario for Jaguars fans looking to bolster Trevor Lawrence’s arsenal.
Can the Buccaneers Keep Their Star?
Despite the lure of free agency, the Buccaneers have not closed the door on a return. Reports indicate the team may look to restructure the contract of All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs to create the necessary salary cap space to re-sign Evans. However, after playing the 2025 season on the final year of his deal, Evans appears determined to see his value on the open market.
In the 2025 regular season, Evans recorded 30 receptions for 368 yards and 3 touchdowns in limited action. While those numbers were down from his career averages, scouts maintain that his physical 6’5″ frame and “top-shelf” catching ability make him a premier WR1 or high-end WR2 for any championship-caliber roster.
As the NFL world shifts its focus to the new league year, Mike Evans remains the most significant domino to fall in the 2026 free-agent wide receiver class.