Impending free agent wide receiver Mike Evans hinted at retirement before the 2025 season, but the six-time Pro Bowler will suit up for at least one more season. After another dominant season in 2024, Evans suggested he might retire if the 2025 season went a certain way. However, injuries limited him to just eight games, and he recorded just 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, collapsed after a strong start to the season and missed the playoffs for the first time since the Jameis Winston Era.
It’s clear Mike Evans doesn’t want his career to end this way, and ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin reports the future Hall of Famer will return for at least one more season. However, he might not return to the Buccaneers. While Evans spent his entire career in Tampa Bay, the wideout will reportedly explore his options when the league year begins.
While a return to the Buccaneers remains possible, it’s worth noting the team is loaded at the wide receiver position and isn’t exactly a contender. Other teams need Mike Evans more than the Buccaneers, and the wideout might prefer to spend his glory years chasing another championship. It’s hard to envision him in another uniform, but the following three teams could make an offer he can’t refuse.
Mike Evans Will Return In 2026, Could Join New Team
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs need another wide receiver in the worst way. While second-round pick Rashee Rice is the real deal, the rest of the depth chart needs some serious work. Former first-round pick Xavier Worthy is looking like a bust, while impending free agent Tyquan Thornton is nothing more than an unremarkable one-trick pony. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovering from a torn ACL, this team must add someone who can win in contested situations and make their quarterback’s life easier. Evans is a perfect choice for the job, and even if he’s not the player he once was, he’ll still be the second-best receiver on the team.
Los Angeles Chargers
Quentin Johnston isn’t a horrible football player, but the Los Angeles Chargers must find a better outside threat. Keenan Allen isn’t getting any younger, and Ladd McConkey failed to build on his impressive debut. Justin Herbert throws one of the prettiest deep balls in football, and pairing him with a receiver like Mike Evans might give this team the offensive firepower needed to finish the 2026 season atop the loaded AFC West.
Baltimore Ravens
A once-great wide receiver on the wrong side of 30 is available, so you know the Baltimore Ravens are going to be interested. Mike Evans might not have another 1,000-yard season in him, but it shouldn’t be too difficult for him to be the second-best receiver on this team. Rashod Bateman had a disastrous 2025, and nobody else on the depth chart is capable of earning a high target share in this passing attack. New head coach Jesse Minter needs to make a splash to bring out the best in this team, and signing Evans might be the way to get that done.
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