Last Call For The Franchise Tag
March 3rd, 2026
Bucs GM Jason Licht
Yes, the Bucs absolultely can make sure Mike Evans doesn’t play for another team this season.
The team, however, doesn’t want to go there. They want to respect Evans’ desire to determine his market value in free agency before coming to the Bucs with a “match-this-offer” smile.
Today at 4 p.m. is the NFL deadline to use the franchise tag, which would guarantee Evans a one-year contract at a shade over $27 million. If tagged, Evans could sign the deal and cash in, or he could negotiate a different contract with the Bucs until July 15.
At the NFL Scouting Combine last week, Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht didn’t rule out using the tag, though that’s not his preference and, apparently, Evans didn’t want that, either.
However, the NFL is a fluid situation. Yesterday’s facts are often today’s fiction. It’s at least possible Evans’ agent sniffed the market and would now be pleased to have his client franchised.
March 3rd, 2026 at 9:26 am
Mike Evans is the greatest receiver in Buccaneer history. That is a fact.
I’m of the opinion that he has earned the right to decide where he ends his career.
Also from the organization’s side of the discussion, 27 million is too much for what Mike brings to the table at this point in his career. I’m not saying he has lost a step or is trash but you’re only going to get ~14 games per year out of Mike. And he is well known for taking himself off the field and taking plays off. I doubt that changes as he gets older.
I would live to see Mike Evans retire as a Buccaneer, just not for that big of a hit to the salary cap.
I’m not in favor of franchising Mike Evans.
March 3rd, 2026 at 9:32 am
Could use it on Cade, wouldn’t be smart but it’s possible. Still waiting on the restructured deals news from 1Buc.
March 3rd, 2026 at 9:48 am
This is the least about the money then it’s ever been for Mike.
March 3rd, 2026 at 10:20 am
@Warrenbrooks ⬆️I think tagging Cade would cost us $15M for 1 year. Not a smart move at all. We are balking at paying him $7M a year and you want to give him $15M for 1?
March 3rd, 2026 at 10:26 am
Nobody is going to pay 27 million for an over the hill WR dont do it.
March 3rd, 2026 at 10:27 am
Otten not worth 15 million.
March 3rd, 2026 at 10:37 am
“Could use it on Cade, wouldn’t be smart but it’s possible”
@BigBoiBuc
I didn’t even type that much for this to be lost in translation. Just pointing out the possibility, c’mon man
March 3rd, 2026 at 11:01 am
i believe the Patroits will pay the 27 million and will likely target ME. The other team to watch SFran. Yes wheather it is the Bucs or another team , yes someone will put the money there. Did you see how ME was tackled when he broke his collar bone?. That should answer anything about being brittle.
Anyway, ME has 2 good years in him, and the teams I just mentioned and the Bucs will take that gamble for the rewards it brings. Over the hill, no not yet folks
March 3rd, 2026 at 11:01 am
sorry for the typos
March 3rd, 2026 at 11:56 am
I agree it was the tackle/mugging that broke the collarbone. But Detroit was allowed often to hit guys early without the PI being an issue, same for defensive holding, which led to, at least partly in my opinion, to the tackle that Mike got hurt on, that DB was up his back and into his legs way before the ball got there. Mike is a beast of a player.
March 3rd, 2026 at 1:31 pm
let evans leave. let david retire. that’s 30 mill. to use on defensive FA. get younger, healthier, and more productive. this is a business, not a charity. say “thanks for the memories” and good luck. time to build for the present and future
March 3rd, 2026 at 2:02 pm
Hammys get worse with age, and his already suck. Go chase another ring and the first ballot, then sign a one day contract here
March 3rd, 2026 at 2:13 pm
Tag him. Then pay him. Then rename a major street in Tampa for him. Maybe Dale Mabry or Ashley Drive.