Mike Evans felt good physically at the end of the season, despite injuries that forced him to miss nine games. The Bucs receiver caught only 30 passes and saw his NFL record-tying streak of 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons come to an end.
Mike Evans felt good physically at the end of the season, despite injuries that forced him to miss nine games.
The Bucs receiver caught only 30 passes and saw his NFL record-tying streak of 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons come to an end.
Although he will be 33 when training camp begins in August, Evans has said in the past he believes he can play at least three more years.
But neither the Bucs nor Evans’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, know for sure what Evans will do in 2026.
Gilmore, however, said Sunday he believes Evans will continue to play in 2026.
“He feels great,” Gilmore said in a text message to the Tampa Bay Times, “and I hope he wants more.”
Evans suffered a broken collarbone and a concussion in a loss Oct. 20 at Detroit. But when he returned seven games later, he caught six passes for a season-high 132 yards, including a 45-yard reception, in a late-season loss to Atlanta. He showed speed, quickness and agility, and brought energy to the offense.
Of course, even if Evans decides to resume his career, it’s unknown whether he will return to the Bucs.
New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said he would love to coach Evans, but the team is loaded at receiver. Chris Godwin still has two years remaining on a contract that averages $22 million per year. The Bucs also have 2025 first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson.
Gilmore indicated to NFL Network he believed Evans’ competitive nature likely will lead him to play.
“Mike started the season in great shape,” Gilmore said. ”Most people in the organization said he probably had the best camp of everyone. He finished feeling better than he has in several seasons. I think his competitive nature leads to more football. That is my hope. Like most fans, I like watching him play."
If Evans does decide to play, he is likely to draw interest from several teams should he reach free agency. Two years ago, he received interest from the Chiefs and Texans, who play less than an hour from his hometown of Galveston, Texas.
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Category: General Sports
