Bruce Arians Addresses Mike Evans, Lavonte David Retiring
January 22nd, 2026
So what are the playing futures for Buccaneers legends Mike Evans and Lavonte David?
Bucco Bruce Arians went there today during his visit to FanDuel TV with host Kay Adams, who asked him whether fans will see Evans and David play again.
Joe breathed a little easier after Arians spoke. “I don’t know about Mike,” Arians began. “I think Lavonte probably is going to retire but I never count him out. He goes back every year, sees how he’s feeling and the guy’s amazing. He just stays in great shape. But I would be shocked if Mike retires.”
Joe is not running David out of a job, but he clearly has lost the explosiveness that made him a special player. It’s probably time.
As for Evans, Joe would cry if he retires and it sure seems unlikely after Evans pushed so hard to return to the field late last season.
January 22nd, 2026 at 11:52 am
LVD said his daughter wants him to retire, it’s hard to say no to your little girl.
January 22nd, 2026 at 11:54 am
I hope ME13 returns and stays healthy. Need a reason to watch next season.
January 22nd, 2026 at 11:54 am
“Joe is not running David out of a job, but he clearly has lost the explosiveness that made him a special player. It’s probably time.” – Joe
The first half of the year he looked great. I think the second half was just bad for everyone.
January 22nd, 2026 at 11:56 am
Have been reading about Brandon Aiyuk, there is something to be said about drafting people like. Mike, who aren’t a problem in the locker room
January 22nd, 2026 at 11:56 am
Bring back LVD to coach the free agent ILB that Licht should pick up as well as a 2nd-3rd round rookie ILB. LVD wouldn’t be on the roster as a player, but he could come back in the playoffs if needed.
January 22nd, 2026 at 11:57 am
Beeej Says:
January 22nd, 2026 at 11:56 am
Have been reading about Brandon Aiyuk, there is something to be said about drafting people like. Mike, who aren’t a problem in the locker room
^^^^^^^
This is very true. Mike Evans is/was a blessing.
January 22nd, 2026 at 11:58 am
With the retention of Bowles if Mike were to hang it up, I don’t see myself being invested in this team whatsoever.
January 22nd, 2026 at 11:58 am
JimBobBuc Says:
January 22nd, 2026 at 11:56 am
Bring back LVD to coach the free agent ILB that Licht should pick up as well as a 2nd-3rd round rookie ILB. LVD wouldn’t be on the roster as a player, but he could come back in the playoffs if needed.
^^^^^^^
They SHOULD be learning a new defense, one that works.
January 22nd, 2026 at 11:59 am
Everybody says David lost a step which i’m not arguing that point.But when he came out and said, how injured he was throughout the entire season, One has to wonder if he really lost a step or if it just revolves around the fact that he was injured all year…?
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:04 pm
Going to Sound Weird …
I’d like to see Mike play for a contender next year.
Why play for the Bucs? 2026 is going to be a sad, frustrating, race to the bottom.
Do we really want Mike to go out like that? I don’t. Blaze of Glory. Get a ring.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:06 pm
Sonny Styles and some sort of rotational role for LVD, should he return.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:06 pm
BA is the root cause of the Bucs problems. He was so jealous of Brady he could not stand that Brady won the SB and not his coaching. The Curse of Bowzo is BA legacy.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:09 pm
I agree watch Daddy Sonny Styles is the man to draft this year for first round pick. Last year they list a good opportunity to bring in a LB.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:09 pm
Neither will be back if TB stays. They both know that is a losing proposition. I think they both want to end their careers on top not at the bottom of the pathetic NFC South. M
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:12 pm
LVD and M1K3 can’t retire in the same year!! Too much pain!
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:13 pm
Coconut Doughnut Says:
LVD said his daughter wants him to retire, it’s hard to say no to your little girl.
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True, and what his daughter wants is far more important to him than what we fans want, or at least it should be.
He had an amazing career, played great even during the years the team wasn’t good. Whenever he decides to retire is fine with me. That said, I believe he could continue to contribute positively to the team, albeit in a lesser role. But that would require a serious commitment in the off-season to get his body into the best shape possible, and it takes more time at his age than it would for a 22-year-old, so I totally understand why he’d choose not to do that.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:16 pm
SlyPirate Says:
“I’d like to see Mike play for a contender next year.”
The Bucs will be a contender.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:17 pm
I hope Mike keeps playing. I hope LVD keeps playing. Each additional year they play is a blessing for me as a fan.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:18 pm
I am not sure David wants a full role if he stays. I think if it fits him helping out the team in a limited role and coaching up young guys might work for him. However, I think he may want to call it a career.
Mike I doubt retires. Does he want to go to a contender to maybe get 1 more ring? Maybe, However. I see him more loyal than that with his Guys, Baker, Godwin especially. I think he maybe hoping like we all do,with some changes and healthy O Line the Bucs chances are as good as most. Why risk going to another team.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:19 pm
I think if LVD comes back he needs to be more of a part time player. A lot of guys don’t like to do that though. Just reduce his snap count to maybe only playing half the game.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:20 pm
The heart and soul of the offense and defense
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:28 pm
I’d love Mike back but I have concerns about his ability to stay on the field.
Those Hammys are bad. Mike is a true PRO…however…I doubt you get 17 games out of him.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:45 pm
I think evans lands in Houston next year. Need to spend money on defense with Godwin under contract and 3 young wr’s in egbuka, McMillan, and tez. I know nobody wants to hear it, but it’s the truth, Mike’s availability wasn’t there this last year and he’s got the hammy the last few years as well.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:52 pm
I love the idea of LVD coming back to Coach. He would have that “just right” fire in the belly that is missing from Todd Bowles, our CSO.
Chief Stoicism Officer.
The one without a pulse during games. You know? That guy?
The antithesis to Mike Vrabel energy?
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:52 pm
If they can walk they will play for the money. If the Bucs will pay they will play.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:53 pm
I’m starting to think that BA is the one who really runs the franchise from the golf course.
He is almost certainly the main reason Bowles still has a job.
That amount of power and influence is quite shocking from an “advisor”.
2029 can’t get here soon enough. We might need a few of these guys to pass away for anything meaningful to change.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:56 pm
I dread seeing both leaving at the same time. Lavonte did say he was in family mode right now and it would make sense for him to go ahead and enjoy it. I would love Mike here to stay. It would be heartbreaking to lose him to another team. And if he retired, we all can understand that too. Thinking Houston would be a landing spot for him too. Help C.J. out. If he leaves for another team, many of us would feel horrible but would still be rooting for him.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:58 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if LVD retires. He is surrounded by idiots on the defense and already has a ring. As far as ME13, I hope he stays, but would understand if he wanted to play for the Texans next season. Think his production is going down. Bucs need so much help on defense it’s not funny.
January 22nd, 2026 at 12:58 pm
LVD needs to retire he lost a step and that was clear when he played next to K.J Britt. Evans he won’t retire there’s just no guarantee he’ll come back and play for Mr 3rd and 28
January 22nd, 2026 at 1:02 pm
I actually wouldn’t mind if Evans retires. He’s great but he’s become a crutch. If we can’t throw him a fade we don’t know how to score touchdowns. People say our season turned at the bye week but it was actually the moment Mike went down. Our offense stopped functioning at that point. Sure bring him back if he wants, on a mega team friendly deal, but build the offense around McMillen and Egbuka.
January 22nd, 2026 at 1:04 pm
I don’t think Mike goes out on that year. They have the talent to make a run.
Unfortunately, LVD is probably retiring. They probably need to go to free agency and the draft and totally redo the ILB room.
January 22nd, 2026 at 1:05 pm
Lavante said they drained FIFTY ounces of fluid from his knee last season. He’s needs to retire before he spends the remainder of his life hobbling around with a cane
January 22nd, 2026 at 1:08 pm
100% agree that Arians voice carries to much weight with the Bucs.
I hope they fire everyone next year including Arians and Licht.
We are coming up on SIX YEARS since the SB. That’s a long time ago.
PURGE!!!!!
January 22nd, 2026 at 1:09 pm
Love both of these guys for what they brought to the franchise, but I don’t see either one of them returning. LVD sounds like he is ready to retire. He wants to focus on his family and life now and not deal with another season of frustration. ME13 should play for a team that has a chance at a SB while he still has gas in the tank.
January 22nd, 2026 at 1:11 pm
I think Mike pushed hard to get back on the field because he wanted the playoffs!! He was viable pissed during the bad losses at the end of the season, so I’m not sure how happy he is with this team. I think Mike only comes back if he feels we are heading in the direction of the playoffs, his opinion of where this team is going will be telling. If he retires I believe it’s an indictment of the actions this team has or hasn’t taken this offseason
January 22nd, 2026 at 1:20 pm
Hoping we get Mike for as long as he wants to play, and same for Lavonte, selfishly I really hope we can get one more season from Lavonte. I love watching him play. Both of them.
January 22nd, 2026 at 1:38 pm
I would love to see LVD mentor Sonny Styles as our new ILB. Mike will be back. He wants another year with the Offense clicking the way it should be. We have been pretty spoiled at ILB for the last 20+ years. First Hardy Nickerson, then DB55, then LVD. Really spoiled.
January 22nd, 2026 at 1:42 pm
I hope they just retire. Its time for my boy Lavonte David to hang up the cleats. Mike Evans he may can still play but you can’t depend on him for a full 17 games. However I do believe he has earn the right to sign 1 year deal every year as long as he wants like Ronde.
January 22nd, 2026 at 1:45 pm
LVD was forced into having to play way too many snaps last year (at his age), due to the lack of depth at the position. He would be great in the Pete Rose role as Player/Coach. He can help coach up and mentor the younger guys, while chasing the ‘all-time’ tackles record, like when Old Pete was chasing the ‘all-time’ hits record! Maybe, to help guard against the salary cap, they could sign him at the league ‘veteran’ minimum, and make up the difference with his “coaching” contract!? Limit his snap count, and keep him fresh. A ‘Win-Win’ all around for everyone.
January 22nd, 2026 at 1:52 pm
Remember hearing Mike coaches his daughters’ AAU squad. Slice of that in the off-season he’ll be ready to come back in no time. Seriously tho, I think he can come back and be an asset for Robinson. Same thing he’s been since walking into 1Buc as a baby faced rookie.
David, I think it’s time for him to call it a career. Though, I wouldn’t be shocked hearing him come back for one last ride because i truly believe he loves the game and that plays as big a part in his career than anything. If his little lady is telling him it’s time to be dad full-time(or work on a Lavonte Jr) then, all thanks and much appreciation to David for what he’s been. Go be Dad, we’ll see ya in 5 years
January 22nd, 2026 at 2:13 pm
Both these guys are the true example of professionalism. Not one time during their careers did you hear about them off the field and on the field their play speaks for themselves. Both also are the most underrated players in the league. Would love to see LVD come back in a back up role/ mentor. It’s a no brainer to resign Evans. Dude is still elite.
January 22nd, 2026 at 2:19 pm
M1K3 started here, we have to make sure M1K3 ends it here! Come on Bucs, do the right thing! Bring M1K3 BACK!!! Let’s Go Bucs!!!!! G.O.A.T
January 22nd, 2026 at 2:26 pm
I can easily see both retire, would not like to see David play another year love him but you can see his play has slowed down with Mike the streak is done he has done enough to make the hof and he got his Superbowl win. Either way it was incredible to see them both play.
January 22nd, 2026 at 2:28 pm
And mike wont have to worry about pulling the yearly hammy if he retires. Lol
January 22nd, 2026 at 2:51 pm
That headline wasn’t fair, Joe.
January 22nd, 2026 at 3:29 pm
They can both retire, there is nothing going on in Tampa. Thank you so much for the awesome plays over the years. We will all rewatch it through highlights years to come.
January 22nd, 2026 at 3:30 pm
If it’s a lost season and they DON’T move Vea, Mike, AND Chris (plus whomever else that makes sense) at the ‘trade deadline,’ then I will absolutely lose MY SH!T. You HAVE TO take advantage when you can. ESPECIALLY, with THE ‘All-Time’ Best, MOST LOADED Draft-Class (2027) possibly EVER. Or, at least since they’d started ‘ranking them’ going back to the 1960’s, per Todd McShay.
January 22nd, 2026 at 3:45 pm
I’m not sure I’m ready to give up on Evans and Vea just yet. I do think our linebacker play has seen better days though. I’m grateful we got Egbuka, but Campbell going to the Eagles instead of us kinda bummed me out. If Evans does retire, Egbuka has got to be a focus for this team. Him and McMillan have got to step up big if ME13 retires. Egbuka just seemed to drop way too many catchable balls this season. And Godwin has also gotta step up as the leader in the receiving core for this team. I also don’t want White to leave, but it’s looking like that ship has sailed.
January 22nd, 2026 at 3:49 pm
Bad news guys… I just saw that the MVP voting finalists came out… and apparently Baker didn’t make the list despite the fact he was week 6 MVP. Unbelievable how biased everything is against Baker.
January 22nd, 2026 at 3:49 pm
Draft some linebackers and cornerbacks early. Also, our edge rushers were less than desirable, so something has to be fixed there too. Hell, we could even use more depth at the o-line position.
January 22nd, 2026 at 3:52 pm
The idea Mike is going anywhere is pure old fashioned communism.
Mike looked great to end last year, and if Baker wasn’t in his traditional extended mid-season slump, Mike would have had an even bigger end to the year.
I fully expect the Bucs to bring back Evans – they had better – because he’s still got many years of being a #1 WR left.
January 22nd, 2026 at 4:11 pm
Only LVD knows how much is left in the tank. He is a respectable player and will run the gas tank too E, he deserves that choice.
January 22nd, 2026 at 4:15 pm
Only need to bring them back if we want to win. If the Bucs are tanking then no reason to bring them back. I think that lack of movement at the trade deadline is a part of what killed the team this year. We had two of our all time greats in their final season potentially and the Bucs made no moves to show the team they really wanted to win.
January 22nd, 2026 at 4:26 pm
Evans wasn’t exactly lighting it up during the games he did manage to play. Maybe Zac can utilize him better. Will he be as good as Liam Cohen? Probably not , but he will be better than Grizz and at least good as Canales. Better with the run game especially, I think.
Lots of people seem to think he can show up bowlzo’s defense by showing him how he had such an easy time destroying it. That assumes Bowlzo is willing to adjust anything. He will not. Can he bring Kyle Pitts? Somewhat intriguing, but I suspect he played better this year simply to get a contract. Once he has it he’s likely going back to ordinary. I think Pitts made about $11 million on his option year. I couldn’t tell you what his value might end up being. If we can score a few more points and keep turd’s defense off the field we still might compete in the NFC south unless Carolina and Atlanta improve substantially.
January 22nd, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Bowzo aint George Allen. His over the hill gang will be ….over the hill.
January 22nd, 2026 at 4:32 pm
Fred McNeil Says:
January 22nd, 2026 at 4:26 pm
Evans wasn’t exactly lighting it up during the games he did manage to play.
———-
Go watch some ALL22, and what you’ll see is Evans was constantly open. The issue was 100% on Baker not getting him the ball. Some of that was OK, early in the year, Evan was being double and tripled teamed, which is in part why e2 was having so much success. But go back and watch that Detroit game, Baker couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn – Mike had 2 insane catches on the sideline where Baker was so inaccurate it wasn’t even in the field of play. Once Mike came back, vs the Falcons in particular, he was open the entire night, and Baker kept missing him. This was the case over and over and over.
January 22nd, 2026 at 4:36 pm
For LVD, he should be a 1st ballot HOF, he has all the numbers and play to back that up and is THE best LB of this generation.
With that said, he clearly looked like he lost a step last year, but even so, still made some huge plays that won games (like when he single handedly beat the Seahawks).
David however said he was having to get his knee drained, a lot, every week, and it was sapping his speed – if accurate, and something that could improve over the offseason, then yeah, absolutely bring him back. If he regained a half-step, he’s at worst a pro-bowl level LB. BUT, time is undefeated, and you’d still need to make plans for him not being there. But if you do that AND he’s back and healthy, man, what a coup.
January 22nd, 2026 at 4:39 pm
Draft another Ohio State receiver