Overview
- Agents Deryk Gilmore and Darren Jones said Evans will play a 13th NFL season and will explore offers on the open market rather than committing to Tampa Bay.
- The negotiating window opens March 9 before the new league year, when the longtime Buccaneers receiver can sign as an unrestricted free agent.
- Evans, 32, is coming off an injury-hit 2025 with a hamstring issue, concussion and broken collarbone, finishing with 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns in eight games as his 1,000-yard streak ended.
- Tampa Bay’s plans could hinge on cap flexibility of roughly $24 million and the emergence of younger wideouts such as Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan.
- Analysts have floated the Bills, Chiefs, Texans, Patriots and Steelers as potential fits, while Evans’ agent cautioned fans to ignore AI-generated or fabricated retirement posts and rely on official statements.