Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has been one of the most popular names around the NFL ahead of free agency. Evans will enter the free market in March, as the Bucs don’t seem to be all-in on bringing him back.
An injury limited him to eight games in 2025. Evans caught 30 passes on 61 targets for 368 yards and three touchdowns. While his 1,000-yard streak came to an end, Evans demonstrated that he can still be impactful.
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With his future up in the air, Vito Chirco of Sports Illustrated mentioned the Detroit Lions as a potential landing spot for the veteran.
“Evans, who has spent the first 12 seasons of his career in Tampa Bay, has the credentials of a future Pro Football Hall of Famer,” Chirco wrote. “Most notably, he recorded north of 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons (2014-2024). During this same period, he also earned six Pro Bowl nods and won a Super Bowl (Super Bowl LV).”
Evans’ injury history could be a major question mark for the Lions or whoever acquires his services.
“He’ll be 33 entering the 2026 season, and his best years may be behind him now after suffering through an injury-riddled 2025 campaign,” Chirco wrote.
MORE: Baker Mayfield sends strong message about Mike Evans amid exit rumors
Mike Evans linked with the Buffalo Bills too
The Buffalo Bills need to add a new WR1 after seeing Stefon Diggs leave after the 2023 season. With Joe Brady taking over as head coach, they could kickstart the new era with Evans joining forces with quarterback Josh Allen.
“A return to Tampa Bay is clearly an option for Evans, but becoming the top receiver in Buffalo with quarterback Josh Allen makes a lot of sense, too,” ESPN’s Matt Bowen wrote.
Evans isn’t as sought-after as George Pickens, but he will surely have a market this year.
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