Report: Mike Evans Hasn’t Even Discussed Future With Bucs, Family
January 30th, 2026
The latest.
Yesterday, a report from NFL veteran scribe Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports about Bucs’ franchise icon Mike Evans’ near future sure shook up Bucs fandom.
Pauline, who is in Mobile for the Senior Bowl practices where scuttlebutt within NFL circles flows freely, claimed NFL sources told him they believe Evans has a less than 50/50 shot of returning to the Bucs in 2026.
Though Joe was and is a dubious of the report, Joe also knows Evans hungers to play for another Super Bowl contender and there are teams out there that could use a man like Evans who are much closer to winning a Super Bowl than the Bucs.
After Pauline’s report, Jenna Laine of ESPN tracked down folks close to Evans. Her information is that Evans hasn’t even discussed his future, whether to return to football or not, or play for the Bucs or some other team.
Evans will be a free agent this spring, unless re-signed by the Bucs before the free agency dinner bell rings on March 11.
Regarding Mike Evans: Those close to him whom I have spoken with today say he hasn’t talked about his immediate future. He hasn’t talked to the team about this either. None of those conversations have happened. I talked to him right after the season ended and he said he’d start thinking about things after the Super Bowl. I asked if he had a timeline in mind and he said 1-2 months after the season. But he was pretty clear on it being after the Super Bowl when he’d start assessing his future.
As the late, great Dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, the Big Dog, Steve Duemig would say, “I smell agent.” Evans’ agent has conned some in the local pen and mic club previously into believing Evans had a foot and most of his body out the door on One Buc Palace — only for Evans and the Bucs to bro-hug each other at a contract signing ceremony.
So Joe would not be shocked one iota if Evans’ agent is planting rumors in an effort to gin up Evans’ price.
January 30th, 2026 at 4:42 am
I would not be shocked if he doesn’t like utter ineptitude form his coaching staff and wants to leave and compete for a Super Bowl. You see, he got a taste of winning, and met a guy named Tom Brady, who proved that you can win with a different situation and a different franchise late in your career. Perhaps he wants some adventure in his career. Also seemed to work for Carlton Davis Iii by the way.
Would love to have Evans. Would also love for him to enjoy himself because he’s earned it and deserves more than a coach with his head up his a**.
January 30th, 2026 at 5:35 am
He won’t leave. According to LVD, they love all things Todd.
January 30th, 2026 at 6:04 am
Evans deserves better than a below average coach.
January 30th, 2026 at 6:18 am
not only is mike coming back…
but big mike wants a 3 year deal 🙂
haha
January 30th, 2026 at 6:21 am
I hope he does come back, plenty of reasons why he might not.
January 30th, 2026 at 6:35 am
I can’t imagine Mike in another Jersey besides Tampa, but that is what Niner fans thought about Rice and Montana.
January 30th, 2026 at 6:36 am
It’s been a good run. I don’t think his agent is angling for the most money, that will take care of itself. Mike has made his bag already it’s about championships, and padding his Hall numbers now. Good up, and coming team in Duuvaaal with a coach, and system he knows. I’d say they have better SB odds than the Bucs. Whatever Mike decides do, I’ll be rooting for him.
January 30th, 2026 at 6:56 am
Evans has shown he isn’t about money first. Think he’s honestly contemplating family time. I smell 1 more season from him. Think Bowles needs 2 stop rest weeks 4 vets. Could be the cause of some confusion out there
January 30th, 2026 at 7:07 am
c’mon Now. We all know he is not going anywhere. And Yes, the Bucs are a completely different team offensively when he is on the field. Now about that Putrid Pass Defense!
January 30th, 2026 at 7:24 am
Mike is not worthy of the franchise tag …. Needs to give a serious home town discount should he choose to stay ! Remember big guy your 3&28 coach is still in the building !
January 30th, 2026 at 7:27 am
Sure…because he doesn’t speak to his wife and kids.
“Is everything all right, honey?
“It’s fine.”
January 30th, 2026 at 7:55 am
Yes, discussing is serious business, he needs the time like every NFL player to just escape and enjoy life.
Reckoning time will come soon enough…
January 30th, 2026 at 8:21 am
The writing was on the wall when they gave out 13k Mike Evans bobble heads during our last home game. It was Gene’s last game after 37 years, he didn’t get a bobble head. Also Lavonte tied Derrick for all time tackles in what is also expected to be his last game before retirement. The Bucs didn’t celebrate him that day either, I’m just saying 🤔. I think he’s going home to Houston, which explains why we drafted egbuka in the first round last year versus adding ANYTHING on the much needed defensive side of the ball. Also explains why the glazers gave Todd a pass for another season, they all know Mike is done in Tampa.
January 30th, 2026 at 8:26 am
The only thing Houston lacks is a QB
January 30th, 2026 at 8:35 am
He needs to retire his hamstrings are a problem if someone else wants to overpay so be it
January 30th, 2026 at 8:40 am
Probably a rumor cooked up at the senior bowl, these NFL types get together and start all types of talks. 6 weeks or so away from the new league year, I’d expect more of these types of rumors around the time the combine gets going.
Mikes’ going to do what he wants, all we can do is wait
January 30th, 2026 at 8:40 am
Wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t come back but again, I don’t want to see him looking like Brooks and David at the end. Hopefully he comes back for at least one more season!
January 30th, 2026 at 8:43 am
Evans was the least of our problems; he has earned the right to decide whatever he wants to do. I’ve always thought an athlete that doesn’t hold on for too long is one of the ones that you would want, so someone else can come in and get the reps
January 30th, 2026 at 9:01 am
How can it not be on your mind, regardless if you are relaxing or not you have to be thinking about.