Mike Evans, the all-time leading scorer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has confirmed his intention to play a 13th season in the NFL in 2026, according to his agent, Deryk Gilmore, who spoke to ESPN on Tuesday. The details regarding his next destination remain undecided as Evans evaluates his options after a challenging season.
Last season, Evans faced significant injuries, missing ten games due to a broken collarbone and a hamstring issue. Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, he took time to reflect on his desire to continue his football career. Despite these setbacks, he noted that his performance during training camp was among his best.
In December, Evans expressed that the collarbone injury made him acutely aware of how much he would miss playing the game. Gilmore informed the Buccaneers on Tuesday about Evans” plans, and discussions regarding a contract extension are expected to take place in the coming weeks.
Prior to this announcement, there was uncertainty surrounding Evans” future in the league, with speculation about whether he might retire. If he opts to explore offers from other teams, the free agent negotiating period will commence on March 9, allowing Evans” agent to engage with other franchises. The earliest he could sign with a new team would be March 11.
When Evans last entered free agency in 2024, he successfully negotiated a two-year agreement with the Buccaneers worth up to $52 million, including $35 million guaranteed, just one week before the start of the free agent period. Throughout his career, Evans has consistently expressed a desire to remain a “Buc for life,” and the team shares this sentiment. However, he is also evaluating his options carefully, considering that he is nearing the latter stages of his career.
Evans has built a strong connection with the Buccaneers organization and the city of Tampa. The team recently faced disappointment, missing the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl LV victory in 2020.
