The Age Question For Mike Evans
February 24th, 2026
So CBS rolled out a couple of receiver stats that don’t require a math degree.
Simply stated, 20 NFL pass catchers had 1,000 or more yards receiving last season, but only 2 were over age 30: Cortland Sutton and Stefon Diggs. In 2024, a total of 24 pass catchers busted the 1,000 yard mark. Only 4 were 30 or older.
Yes, receivers tend to fall off considerably at 30.
That’s less common with legends like Mike Evans, but it still happens to many greats. Future Hall of Fame receiver Tyreek Hill, for example, was atop the NFL world at 29 years old with the Dolphins in 2023 after making his fifth All-Pro team. He’s been a shell of himself since.
Evans turns 33 in August. But he’s a high-mileage 33 with 186 games played through 12 seasons.
Joe wonders how Evans’ age will be a factor in Evans’ salary expectations and the Bucs’ expectations for Evans’ production? DeSean Jackson and Antonio Brown were great NFL receivers and former Bucs who beat back Father Time, but even they were toast by age 33.
Joe suspects Evans, like most players, believes he’s in peak form. He might be. Bucs fans will remember Joey Galloway giving the Bucs three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons at age 34, 35 and 36.
The 2026 free agency dinner bell rings on Monday, March 9.
February 24th, 2026 at 11:47 am
ME is a HOF WR and a true Buc. Always will be no matter what.
But just like with LVD, it’s time to move on. The defense is now the main concern.
Let Mike go chase another SB title. He knows he can’t get it under Bowles.
And we can use the cost savings to bolster a Swiss cheese caliber defense in need of an overhaul.
Bowles has created this disaster. Fire Bowles now.
February 24th, 2026 at 11:53 am
ME best player in franchise history but if Bucs get one of the best tight ends in the draft they won’t need Mike Evans. The receiving threat doesn’t have to come from his position. This franchise doesn’t seem to know how to let go of declining players or even mediocre players. We only get rid of busts in this town
February 24th, 2026 at 11:53 am
I’m pretty sure that Joe said ME was in peak form pre-season. Statistics tell you a lot about what will happen in a large sample, but very little (if anything) about an individual outcome.
February 24th, 2026 at 11:56 am
Mike Evans Tampa Bay Legend. If Mike says he’s ready to go, then he’s ready to go.
February 24th, 2026 at 12:01 pm
LynchMob50…….Well said.
February 24th, 2026 at 12:26 pm
How many teams employ 30+ year old WRs as starters?
I assume that correlates to the number of guys going over 1000.
Obviously people decline with age but almost nothing matters more than opportunity.
In hockey terms, there are many NHL 3rd liners that could double their production if given PP time and 1st line minutes with a star player. The gap between a ton of players is razor thin and in many organizations can come down to the right guy liking you and giving you the reps.
February 24th, 2026 at 12:37 pm
Ditto Lynchmob50 !!
February 24th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
ME’s name alone makes DC’s revolve their plan around stopping him so that by itself will give the Bucs an advantage. There is no one else the Bucs can bring in that will do that, certainly not at TE. Mikes game is still there so why would you move on from that? This idea that he needs to go to make room for defensive help is nonsense.
February 24th, 2026 at 1:25 pm
Don’t forget Joey Galloway. He was a late career stud.
February 24th, 2026 at 1:36 pm
LynchMob50 Says:
I fully agree with this as well!