Offseason Priority
January 12th, 2026
Bring Mike back.
The Bucs must have questions answered on offense before the Bucs can proceed worrying about personnel.
The first question is, who will be the new offensive coordinator? Joe has a hunch the Bucs may run the final list of candidates by a guy in South Texas to get his feedback.
Mike Evans is a pending free agent, and no one outside of Evans’ family or the folks in offices in the highest reaches of One Buc Palace have an idea of his plans.
Joe thinks if the Bucs bring ina no-name or a guy who has never called plays, that won’t exactly help entice Evans back for another year.
Once the Bucs do settle on an offensive coordinator, Jenna Laine of ESPN thinks the Bucs’ biggest priority is to lure Evans back for 2026.
What is their top offseason priority? Re-sign wide receiver Mike Evans. The franchise’s all-time leading scorer’s contract expires at the end of 2025 and he’s undecided about playing next year. He did say after coming back from his broken collarbone injury, “I missed the game more than I thought I would. I come back and I still have love for the game. Who knows what it will do for me in the future?”
Aside from getting his shoulder blown up early in the season, did Evans look or play like an old man to you? Joe thought he was as sharp as ever.
But this is what scares Joe: Evans detests losing. And fans know what happened in that locker room. Too many folks basically either gave up or lost interest in winning. Not Evans.
With the Bucs sinking to 8-9 and with a bad attitude seeping through the locker room, does Evans really want to come back? He could easily play for Andy Reid and the Chiefs (yes, Joe knows the Chiefs won 6 games) and catch passes from Pat Mahomes. Evans claimed he was tempted to do just that when he was last a free agent.
Or, Evans could join his hometown Texans or any number of good teams looking for a strong receiver.
The key is hiring a good offensive coordinator. Even if Evans decides to hang it up, the Bucs have enough receiver talent for a good coordinator to cobbble together a solid offense.
Hiring a no-name rookie just may chase Evans off, not lure him back.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:06 am
Joe, name some names? Who were these quitters you speak of?
January 12th, 2026 at 9:07 am
We already know what he thinks of Bowels. 3rd and 28 says it all.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:08 am
First priority should be to get rid of quitters like Zyon im bored McCollum.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:13 am
Evans did look “sharp” when he returned. He wants to keep playing. I sure hope it’s here. Unfortunately, looking at this season, he may have gotten his yards on another successful team. Another new OC is about the same as going to a TX with another OC too. I don’t want it to happen, but it could š
January 12th, 2026 at 9:16 am
I have mad respect for Big Mike. And I hope/want the Bucs to re-sign him. But that is not the biggest priority. The biggest priority is to OVERHAUL defense, as Bucs need help on all three levels – pass rushers, linebackers and at least one more corner.
A revamped roster re defense hopefully will help special teams play. Bucs need to make strides to play complementary football. 2025 was anything but…
And if I am Mike Evans, I would certainly see what transpires here coaching wise with the new OC and other assistants, but I wouldnt stay. This is a train wreck and I have no confidence in Bowles and Licht to change things around. First, you have the same two guys driving the bus and no confidence. What has changed with Bucs culture or lack of? Something was terribly wrong in locker room. Where was the leadership from front office? From coaching staff? From players? Whatever was going on nothing leadership did helped in any shape or form. There is something seriously wrong with this team. I, for one, can’t believe the Bucs didn’t do anything other than make some assistant coaches scapegoats. It’s disgusting to me.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:20 am
Still has a 1k season in him.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:25 am
If Evans doesn’t come back for say 5 million then a hard no! He has gotten older an more injuries. Time to move on and find another WR. 20 million gets us 2 very good players or one really good DT or Edge or LB.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:27 am
Better get a GOOD QB…
January 12th, 2026 at 9:28 am
Think Evans best days are behind him. He certainly drops a lot of critical passes.
Donāt think he has much left in the gas tank. He can still play but not at the same level he did much of his career. We all get oldā¦.
Still think Bucs should try to bring him back, but not at the expense of the defensive Free Agents that this team needs to win. There are so many players on defense that are just flat out bad. Only three are starter quality. lol.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:43 am
All anyone needed to see was his first few plays back. He is 100% the best WR on this team.
I get it if he wants to go to a better situation. If so, everyone can thank Arians for his shady move to install Bowles as Head Coach and Licht for his horrible job fixing the holes.
And now the Glazers for insulting us all.
I hope the season ticket holders cancel or non renew en masse.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:46 am
Hope he comes back.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:48 am
Or he just retires his streak is done this squad isn’t getting to the Superbowl next year he would have to learn a new scheme if he leaves he could just hang it up very plausible.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:50 am
He has a $13 cap charge next year regardless, he can play for that. Paying him more is out of the question — doing a longer deal would be insanity.
He’s not the Evans that we remember. He’s slower and he’s breaking down physically. Plus, he doesn’t like losing – something that we’ll do alot next year.
Like with Brooks, Sapp, and Lynch, its time to say goodbye.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:51 am
Surprising no one mentions Jacksonville as a possible Evans team? Houston would be my guess. KC? Questions about Mahomes knee, and cold weather tells me that’s not for Mike.
January 12th, 2026 at 9:52 am
As far as Evans is concerned a new coach and GM will not bring him back
January 12th, 2026 at 9:57 am
Yesā¦name some names of these quittersā¦..or quit mentioning themā¦
January 12th, 2026 at 10:00 am
He will escape from Bowzo.
January 12th, 2026 at 10:01 am
Bring mike back for 1 more year, then blow it all up! After 2026 season, this team will look much different. No more mike, vea, david (after this year), Godwin (retires), nelson, baker, Yaya, Dean, Cade, Chaad, Chase, Voc. Not saying this is a bad thing, will just look much different!
January 12th, 2026 at 10:05 am
Eventually lining him up at TE some of the time could extend his career but he doesnāt look slow to me yet. Might be a great trick to get more excellent receivers on the field more often, though. I think the quitters were the people āinjuredā at the end of the season- defense played better down the stretch without them.
January 12th, 2026 at 10:07 am
What happened to the Wonder- Kidz Head Coaches,
The ones you Gullible Bucs fans were so high on
Matt LaFluer -Green Bay
Liam Coen- Jacksonville
Dave Caneles – Carolina
They all were One and Done
They all blew 4th quarter leads
Does it sound familiar ?
Do you actually think the Glazers willvlisten to the Idiots here?
January 12th, 2026 at 10:08 am
“”””Will listen “”
January 12th, 2026 at 10:09 am
“””will listen””
January 12th, 2026 at 10:11 am
So again, how much do you invest in the receivers? If they didn’t give Chris that ridiculous contract than. yes. Now, no. Hes past his prime and injuries mount as players age. Mike won’t and shouldn’t make less than Chris. So, we’re back to 40 mil plus per season for two aging injury prone receivers. Thats how you lose.
I’d save some money for Jmac, that kid impressed me this and last year. You have to look a couple of years down the road.
January 12th, 2026 at 10:12 am
Did anyone notice how visibly frustrated and angry Evans was drive after drive as the ball sailed over his head or out of his reach?
Notice how mad Evans got after the 3rd and 28 debacle. The team should’ve never been in that position but I digress.
Besides emotions, what’s keeping Evans here? Great coaching? Elite QB play? Good defense? What is it?
Mike is older and isnt a game changer but hes definitely a playmaker but he needs someone to get him the ball consistently and accurately. That won’t happen with the Bucs. I hope he stays but if he wants to win then he’ll move on.
January 12th, 2026 at 10:12 am
Time to hang it up Mike . Walk away while you can still walk.
January 12th, 2026 at 10:13 am
I saw Jags team that almost won the game against the Bills, and I saw a Panthers team that almost beat the Rams. and when i look at our Garbage coach and what our team would ahve done ( how we almost won duriong regular season against the rams) and it jsut convinces me more that we have incompetent coach and that the Glazers dont know how to pick a coach
January 12th, 2026 at 10:15 am
Lakeland – so you prefer Bowles over LaFluer, Coen and Caneles? NO THANK YOU.
Those three coaches wouldnt be available had the Glazers made a change. But there are certainly coaches available who would be a HUGE upgrade over what we have. HUGE upgrade.
January 12th, 2026 at 10:15 am
@Lakeland, At least these team have a positive outlook for next season. Tampa Bay with Bowles is gloom and doom . I see a 5-12 season in our future. What do you see? Let’s meet back here in 12 months. If I’m wrong I’ll buy you a round of drinks.
January 12th, 2026 at 10:22 am
Mike is a awesome talent but his hamstrings are toast needs to retire
January 12th, 2026 at 10:22 am
Mike comes back, heāll still be the coverage manipulating asset heās been since his 2nd or 3rd year with us. Mikesā why you swing at a Desean Jackson to play opposite of him. Mikesā partly why you draft a Chris Godwin and get the impact he provided pretty much out the gate.
IF, Mike is up for another year in Tampa, heāll get the same attention he gets that made the first 2-4 games of the season so major for Egbuka. I imagine a lot of Bucs offensive game-planning over the years, no matter who the HC-OC were had the sentiment of āwell we know theyāre going to play Mike x/y/z wayā in meetings. As an OC thatās got to be a bit of a cheat-code in terms of what to expect and how to attack opposing defenses.
Iād like for Mike to come back, and Iām pretty sure of the few guys weāve talked with to be OC, at least one has had to ask āyou guys getting Evans back?ā. Thatās how important Mike is to us.
January 12th, 2026 at 10:29 am
2026 is already shot. Think long-term. Bowles is a one year coach now, we won’t obtain any proven position coaches. Why would anyone os talent uproot their family for a one year possibility. The only ones will be people trying to climb the ladder and build a resume. It won’t help us win in 2026 and we will have to start fresh in 2027. We need to look at contracts now and build for the 2027 season.
The Glazers gaffed by extending Bowles when they did, clearly it was premature. They should offer him a 2 year buyout this week and move on. They are going to owe him 2 years after they fire him next year.
January 12th, 2026 at 10:39 am
Good luck with your next team Big Mike….I cant blame you if you want to go …
“3rd and 28”
January 12th, 2026 at 10:50 am
We will see exactly what Mike thinks of the Bucs keeping Bowles………..If Mike leaves Tampa to play elsewhere you have your answer.
January 12th, 2026 at 10:54 am
Walking through that tunnel screaming 3rd and 28 will be in Evans head when the free agency bell rings. No matter the OC Evans gets 1k without this injury. The media gets to forget and move on to a new storyline but If he wants to win another ring before he hangs it up thereās no reason to stay here. You canāt say Grizzard was a scapegoat then think the new OC is the only reason Evans would come back
January 12th, 2026 at 11:10 am
Hodad – Agreed, if Mike was to go, it would be his home Texas style. The Texans have a dome, retractable roof, turf. An hour away from Galveston. Their OC is from the Rams and Pats. There is a lot there. I for one would hate to see him leave. But I also want the best for he and his family too. Would still root for him.
January 12th, 2026 at 11:35 am
The coach is not going anywhere what is wrong with some of you people, he is coaching next season period so stop. If Mike decides stay cool if not cool. We need draft an another receiver late in the draft anyways. LB, DT, edge guyš qb Wr., another backer š¤£š¤£š¤£ so Kendrick from the 49ers has been working out all season, they lose Fred and pick up Kendricks last month.šš¾šš¾šš¾ he comes out making plays. I guarantee you he would have been better than Svd, and Walker. Jesus our scouts and front office is trash.
January 12th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
Well everyone is commenting on Bowels, and I bet M1K3,has the same feelings about baker,always under achievingā¦ā¦.. Bowels and baker are hand in hand! Letās Go Bucs!!!!
January 12th, 2026 at 12:08 pm
If Mike is smart he will take the opportunity to leave the sinking pirate ship.
He watched as the Bowles Swiss cheese defense gave up a 4th quarter 14 point lead to an aging backup QB on a team with no reason to win.
This is the perfect time to try and win with a team not circling the drain.
Bowles has proven he cannot win big games even with a competent OC.
The Glazers have chosen to wash the 2026 season to employ their friend.
January 12th, 2026 at 12:34 pm
As buc fan from day one, I consider ME13 one of all time NFL greats. He has Brady as QB a couple of years but has played with A LOT of bad QBs. Heās done way more than needed for fans, Bucs and community. If he decides to be a little selfish and go to another I think heās more than earned that opportunity to decide
And that wonāt tarnish my opinion. Thanks ME13 for all the memories and hope you play another year somewhere!
January 12th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
@Daryl Green
our scouts and front office is trash.
You mean the scouts and front office that generated a rostered that got off to a 6-2 start last year and a 5-1 start the year before? š¤
January 12th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
Mhystc Says
“First priority should be to get rid of quitters like Zyon im bored McCollum.”
I would argue that not everyone is starting material. He could make good depth.
January 12th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
Davenport Says:
“He has a $13 cap charge next year regardless, he can play for that.”
That’s dead cap. He’s not under contract as of now, so they would have to pay him something more.
January 12th, 2026 at 1:08 pm
OLDSCHOOL1976 – I am right with you about Mike. He definitely has earned it. He has been my favorite since A&M. He is the heart and soul of the Bucs.
January 12th, 2026 at 1:17 pm
Evanās should not be a priority, O line depth and upgrades followed by O coordinator, should be their priority. Williams was close to be labeled a bust in Chicago and new coach invested heavily in O line.
January 12th, 2026 at 1:24 pm
I disagree wholeheartedly.
When Evans came back Baker forced the ball to him.
With our other WRs, even Tez it keeps them guessing.
Donāt get me wrong, I freaking LOVE ME 13, but not if the entire offense always runs through him.
We need an Offensive Coordinator with the balls to call schemed plays to the other 15 offensive weapons we have.
January 12th, 2026 at 1:25 pm
And McCollum as depth for 15 Million is ludicrous.
January 12th, 2026 at 1:30 pm
Rocket10 and BillyBucco – Brady knew how to use everyone including Gronk out there. He shared the ball well. With Baker being hurt this season, it seemed harder to do that and Baker on top of it Baker was scrambling a lot. Still back Mike 100%. He came back from the injury very sharp. Looked well.
Something after the bye seemed off with them.
January 12th, 2026 at 1:31 pm
ME13 will command a minimum of 15 mill on the market with Bonus incentives to work that figure to about 20 mill(keeping in mind that bonus incentives do not count against the CAP even if earned) and Mike should sign for nothing less as it was quite obvious he still has plenty left in the tank based on what he showed after coming back from the collarbone.
January 12th, 2026 at 1:31 pm
Wouldnāt say quitters but the list of questionable effort includes Reddick, McCollum, Dennis, Dean. Think it actually started with Carlton Davis. The DBās thought they were better than Bowles system. Playing for second contracts maximizing play on contract years and milking injuries to protect value and longevity. Lack of pass rush and poor coverage from LBās and linemen incentivized playing even more soft.
The malaise spread even to proven veterans during season. Need a Hardy Nickerson type linebacker to hold players accountable. Remember hearing about him scuffling with Broderick Thomas when he came to Bucs. Was the beginning of the change. Need it again.
January 12th, 2026 at 1:53 pm
After OC then ME13 is the biggest priority on offense side. For those who want to say move on cause of his age that statement holds no merit. Like Joe said he looked sharp and showed no signs that he lost a step. Price for him doesnāt matter. Hes a legend and deserves to retire as a buc and not go play for another team the later come back and retire as a buc.
January 12th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
@Lakeland
You mean the head coaches that turned their teams around in their 1st and 2nd seasons? Or Matt LaFluer who has a way better track record as a HC than Bowles?
Their teams are promising, the Bucs are trending down with Bowles. Its obvious to everyone except a few idiots like you.
Lmao you and Rod Munch belong together.
January 12th, 2026 at 2:15 pm
gbobucsfan Says:
January 12th, 2026 at 10:01 am
“Bring mike back for 1 more year, then blow it all up! After 2026 season, this team will look much different. No more mike, vea, david (after this year), Godwin (retires), nelson, baker, Yaya, Dean, Cade, Chaad, Chase, Voc. Not saying this is a bad thing, will just look much different!”
Different like the LV Raiders different? That’s what they would look like for many years to come while they work the draft with #1 picks year after year.
January 12th, 2026 at 4:49 pm
Evanās is SHOT !
Love him !
He is ROH and 1st ballot Canton !
Go to Houston and catch a Super Bowl touchdown!
Or retire
Hamstrings are scared, quickness on the field is gone.
January 12th, 2026 at 4:58 pm
Mike still has it .. For his own sake –he should move on to a better team like Houston