CBS Report: Mike Evans’ Career In Tampa Bay Is Over
March 8th, 2026
A lot of folks really take Mike Evans’ fearmongering agent seriously.
It seems one of them is reputable NFL reporter Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
Jones was on CBS Sports HQ today previewing tomorrow’s start of free agency and said Bucs fans can begin waving goodbye to their legendary receiver.
“The Buccaneers have wanted to keep [Evans],” Jones said. “I think there’s a possibility that if Mike Evans gets offered somewhere, that he could take that offer back to Tampa Bay and say, ‘hey, what do you want here? But according to multiple sources that I’ve spoken to, for all intents and purposes, Mike Evans’ career as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, until he signs a one-day contract to retire as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, is over. He will be playing somewhere else in 2026 and perhaps beyond.”
“The Buccaneers were waiting, hoping that they could retain Mike Evans, but ultimately it does appear — almost certain — that he is going to be signing elsewhere.”
Jones went on to say Evans is hopeful he can sign a two-year, $50 million deal and Jones says the Chargers are the prime team to watch, as he noted not to expect the Texans or Chiefs to make a play for Evans.
To close the segment, Jones repeated what he believes is rock solid Evans news: “For all intents and purposes, again, it does appear Mike Evans’ career in Tampa Bay is now over,” Jones said.
Frankly, Joe is not buying this report from Jones. Joe will sleep well tonight unconcerned that Evans will be playing for Los Angeles next season.
The free agency dinner bell rings at noon tomorrow.
March 8th, 2026 at 7:49 pm
Oh, he gone.
March 8th, 2026 at 7:50 pm
While I love watching Mike Evans as a Buc, I have doubts he can stay healthy any more.
March 8th, 2026 at 7:53 pm
The Chargers have a great QB and a LEGITAMATE chance at a SB.
Unlike the Bowles led Bucs who have a choke artist at QB and zero chance at a SB, unless they buy tickets.
So long Mike. Thanks for everything. You are a Buc for life.
Let’s see the Glazer kids sell this rotten egg now.
March 8th, 2026 at 7:54 pm
I think that’s best for both parties.
March 8th, 2026 at 7:55 pm
Godwin is on the books for 34 mil. Evans would have a big hit too. Evans is more important in this offense. Cant have both on the book with gaping holes everywhere and other good receivers rostered. Regardless of what happens to Evans, Godwin needs to restructure.
March 8th, 2026 at 7:56 pm
Well that’s a bummer
March 8th, 2026 at 7:58 pm
Interesting. Jones is usually very reliable. I have been worried about the Chargers.
March 8th, 2026 at 8:01 pm
Well, if he goes to Cleveland, he clearly has no shot at a title, plus a worse QB. Maybe it’s just about the Benjamins then. That cold weather will do wonders for the hamstring. Mostly likely he’ll never forget 3rd and 28 with the guru’s defense crapping the bed.
March 8th, 2026 at 8:05 pm
I don’t know Joe according to the Insiders just a few moments ago said ME has been offered a couple strong offers from the Bucs as of late, however, he has decided he is going to free agency. I think if he was going to sign with the Bucs he would have. It appears the cbs report may be correct.
I think he has decided he has a better chance to get a ring elsewhere. I hope You are correct Joe, but sm thinking cbs report is accurate. LA makes sense
March 8th, 2026 at 8:05 pm
He’s going to LA. Just to the Rams
March 8th, 2026 at 8:09 pm
Any California team would be a big mistake
March 8th, 2026 at 8:13 pm
Least McDuffie making the Zyon deal look more ok today
March 8th, 2026 at 8:15 pm
Justin Herbert, despite being considered a better quarterback than Mayfield, has a disappointing playoff record. He has never won a playoff game and has a 0-3 career record with the Los Angeles Chargers. In fact, through three postseason starts, Herbert has completed 58 of 106 pass attempts for 674 yards, 2 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and has been sacked 13 times.
If Evans leaves, he’ll likely join the 49ers. There, he could be a top wide receiver and have a genuine chance of winning a Super Bowl. This is a far cry from the situation with the Chargers, where Herbert has consistently underperformed in the playoffs.
March 8th, 2026 at 8:20 pm
Come on Bucs fan go on his IG and show him and his family love
March 8th, 2026 at 8:21 pm
Any bucs fan who says it’s best for both sides that he leaves should give your head a shake. How many Evans jerseys are there at the Licht House for home games. There’s enough money to go around.
March 8th, 2026 at 8:23 pm
Then they better spend some of that $$$$ on the D if he doesn’t come back.
March 8th, 2026 at 8:23 pm
I will believe it when I see him in another uniform
March 8th, 2026 at 8:25 pm
They need to pounce on Hendrickson at noon to show M1K3 we not f@@@@@ around
March 8th, 2026 at 8:27 pm
Bowles generously handed Brady his only losing season. In a trash division the Bucs have barely been able to get over .500. The mid season slumps, lack of accountability and inability to consistently have the team prepared for tougher competition are all factors. Hope Mike stays but what has this coaching staff down that would make you confident the team is capable of being a legit contender.
We’ll know a lot about the direction of this franchise after the next few days.
March 8th, 2026 at 8:28 pm
If he does the $50 mill in LA how much is that really after taxes. Not from Florida so I don’t know, but if there is no taxes in Florida what amount from the Bucs meets the same take home as LA after taxes
March 8th, 2026 at 8:29 pm
Joe you need to wake up. He’s gone. He doesn’t want to waste his final years with Toilet knowing they have no chance of ever winning a darn thing. Lights body language at the combine said as much. He knew he was gone. Totally blows but them keeping Toilet has killed this franchise and set us back years. The lost decade is here.
March 8th, 2026 at 8:29 pm
There is no guarantee going to any team will put you in SB. Evans will give a team maybe 12 games. If he leaves there are other great receivers available so when that bells ring, he has 5 minutes to sign, or the Bucs need to move on with younger and someone that can play 19 games
March 8th, 2026 at 8:29 pm
As I’ve been saying all along, it’s all up to Mike. The Bucs will not overreach and he’ll have to take less to stay. $20M max, take it or leave it. Either way I’m good with it. But if that number creeps up it would be emotional malpractice by JL. And I agree with Joe, this feels like agent seed.
March 8th, 2026 at 8:32 pm
Ita not about the money. Bucs can’t keep him no matter what. He wants out. He has seen they aren’t going anywhere with Toilet. Doesn’t want to be flushed with this turd on his final years in the NFL and who could blame him?
March 8th, 2026 at 8:32 pm
All thanks to that leprechaun of a QB, that we have! This is some BS!!! We need to keep M1K3!! Let’s Go Bucs! Keep ME……
March 8th, 2026 at 8:32 pm
I think he his gone he wants another bag and to contend
March 8th, 2026 at 8:32 pm
Shoulda canned lovie, or bowles or whatever his name is. Id be out too
March 8th, 2026 at 8:33 pm
Vincent Jackson came from the Chargers to the Bucs as a free agent. Full circle moment.
March 8th, 2026 at 8:33 pm
And that’s fine if he leaves Sapp and lynch left but the fans still stay
March 8th, 2026 at 8:34 pm
Going to the Chargers makes more sense than going to the Titans, Vegas or Browns. I love Mike but north of $20 million a year for him is a lot of coin and lets face it, it is more likely than not he will miss significant game time to injuries, whether it be the annual hamstring or something different. Evans wants to play for a contender, as long as Todd Bowles is running the defense the Bucs are a contender to get in the playoffs but Bowles has shown that his ceiling is reaching the divisionals and more likely one and down if the Bucs win the NFC South with another 9 or 10 win season. Coach Bowles = Mr Mediocrity. 3rd and 29…..
March 8th, 2026 at 8:39 pm
Let’s not forget, most reporters who report this news are full of sh!t and have absolutely no idea what is going to happen.
Evans, Hendrickson & Bush. No reason Licht can’t make this happen. Free up the money and swing for the fences
March 8th, 2026 at 8:42 pm
Buc for life
March 8th, 2026 at 8:43 pm
Bye its business
March 8th, 2026 at 8:44 pm
Well if CBS says it, it must be true. They NEVER get anything wrong at CBS.
March 8th, 2026 at 8:47 pm
Hope they have bubble wrap
March 8th, 2026 at 8:49 pm
2 dumbest moves of the off season. Retaining Bowles and having Godwin as the highest paid WR in the league.
March 8th, 2026 at 8:52 pm
I can cheer for him as a charger, and this could really free up cap space for what we lack. Win Win.. I think for his legacy it would be great for him to succeed there..
March 8th, 2026 at 8:57 pm
If he leaves it comes down to the Bucs keeping Bowles.
Never forget 3rd and 28 and the defensive mastermind failed his team.
March 8th, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Texans….He looked so happy at a Rockets game a couple days ago. I know he loves basketball but he looked so relaxed. All good. Its time for a new offense anyway.. one player never makes a team. We have a lot of talent at wide out.
March 8th, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Everyone knows next season is a throwaway, cash-saving year for the Glazers, inevitably ending with Bowles getting canned. A then a full reset. Why would Mike want to waste his final year or two on a lost season?
March 8th, 2026 at 9:05 pm
Well the Bucs need to hold on to Sterling, the guy may be old but he is reliable. Also important to keep Otton. Will miss ME13, but $50M is way too much for a guy with constant hammy problems every year that make him miss several games. Hope the Bucs can get Hendrickson, a FA ILB and CB.
March 8th, 2026 at 9:06 pm
Who is this clown that knows so much at cbs?? Greg auman jus reported they will give the Bucs a chance to counter any offers
March 8th, 2026 at 9:07 pm
Buncha BS
Evans re-signs with Tampa Bay and plays his entire career as a Buccaneer.
March 8th, 2026 at 9:09 pm
if the box aren’t reworking deals, I wouldn’t want to stay if I was Evans.
If they aren’t reworking deals now that the Brady cap pain is over, they just aren’t serious about winning.
March 8th, 2026 at 9:10 pm
Cali state income tax for Mike would be 14%. Plus LA county/city taxes…do you really think Mike and his knees want to play on that turf…they practice on the same turf as well…
March 8th, 2026 at 9:26 pm
Look at all the name changes. Half these people won’t even use their regular names and will disappear by next week.
March 8th, 2026 at 9:26 pm
Chargers are worse than the Bucs. We just beat the crap out of them last year! No way Evans should sign with them- much better chance of a Super Bowl here. We need to re-sign him pronto or franchise him.
March 8th, 2026 at 9:31 pm
Nope I think he’s gone or should but he’s not motivated by money. Go to anyone who’s a legit contender. Bucs took that off the table when they brought Todd Bowles back
March 8th, 2026 at 9:32 pm
The was low, Joe.
March 8th, 2026 at 9:33 pm
I’d rather have Evans but it’s not the end of the world if he’s gone. We definitely have major needs elsewhere that $25 million/year could help solve.
“… If you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need.”
March 8th, 2026 at 9:36 pm
You can’t have $60 mill for old WRs – Loser Licht screwed up signing Godwin to that insane contract when he was already broken. Licht sucks.
Need Evans money for defense. Blame Licht.
March 8th, 2026 at 9:36 pm
You dont know what you got till its gone…Rock On Mike! Thanks for the memories!
March 8th, 2026 at 9:40 pm
Don’t worry next year it will be Godwin leaving. The biggest mistake this organization has made will be keeping Bowles. Back to the lost decade we go. Probably going to have to over pay to get anyone to even come here and play. The Brady years are long and gone…
March 8th, 2026 at 9:42 pm
LOL. Mike’s agent deserves kudos for stirring the pot well during this cycle!
But — ME will be on the field for the Buccaneers this year.
His football home is in Tampa Bay and he’s always going to be welcomed with the appropriate respect.
JL: Earn your pay this week!
Go Bucs in ’26!
March 8th, 2026 at 9:47 pm
The Chargers are no more of a Superbowl candidate than the Bucs are or any other team you can name. Some are certainly not likely at all (Raiders) but it always comes down to injuries – something the Chargers know all too well. Nobody can predict what those will be. With zero injuries to either team, it’s a tossup as to which team is better.
Evans will lose $3.5 million per year in state income tax on $25 million in California compared to Florida, so the money difference is not substantial. With all things being nearly equal, better to go with the devil (and teammates) you know.
March 8th, 2026 at 10:05 pm
Hes got that SB taste in his mouth,he knows its not coming here again anytime soon …Rock on!
March 8th, 2026 at 10:09 pm
bucs should just pay evans. whatever potential free agent moves the bucs can do wont help this team significantly
March 8th, 2026 at 10:12 pm
Chargers are better than the bucs. Bucs only looked halfway relevant because of a dumpster division. The same dumpster division we can thank for Bowles still being coach.
March 8th, 2026 at 10:15 pm
he wants better quarterback…….
March 8th, 2026 at 10:34 pm
This smells fishy. just because of California taxes
March 8th, 2026 at 10:39 pm
If he walks, you’re gonna look like such an arse, Joe…
March 8th, 2026 at 11:07 pm
The bucks can’t much 50 million nor should they even try. They’ve got a lot of other holes to fill especially on defense. Or you can do is tip your cap to Mike and say thank you for your service and of course good luck down the road. Sigh.
March 8th, 2026 at 11:14 pm
I’ll remember him shouting…3rd and 28…he might have dropped a F bomb somewhere in there LoL
1st ballot ME13…love ya brother.
Hope you stay!
March 8th, 2026 at 11:17 pm
If Evans is gone it just verifies keeping the Toilet Bowl flushed away the season already… He knows way way more about that locker room than any of us…. Only time will tell…
March 8th, 2026 at 11:34 pm
he would only pay taxes on games played in cali
March 8th, 2026 at 11:36 pm
Mike Evans is the guy only in Tampa…on another team
not so much…he has hammy issues every year…he’ll
he”ll be out 1st 4 games
March 8th, 2026 at 11:39 pm
Mike Evans will command more than he is worth. We are loaded at WR and have way too many other needs. Spend that 20 mil a season on edge rusher, corner and Linebacker.
March 8th, 2026 at 11:46 pm
It was an honor Mike. Good luck!
March 8th, 2026 at 11:59 pm
It’s best for the team if the Great ME13 leaves. It gives Licht a lot of coin to help the defense, get a solid running back or anything else. We have awesome young receivers that need to play and Evans takes a position, also 1 of 53. Mike has hamstring problems and the chances of him playing more than 10 games is low. I’d like to see him go to Buffalo, a place full of cool people and he will be welcomed and like it there. Josh Allen needs him more than we do. We may even get a nice compensatory pick next year. Thx Mike
March 9th, 2026 at 12:00 am
I hope he stays! Stay Evans! Go Bucs!
March 9th, 2026 at 12:27 am
Should not pay him more than 15 million a year. He is always on the injury report. The Bucs need defense