The regular season is over for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and now the process of evaluating the roster and coaching staff can begin.
With an eye already on the 2026 season, the Buccaneers have to figure out who will be coming back and who won't. And at the top of that list are Mike Evans and Lavonte David.
Two studs for the Buccaneers over the years, both are free agents, so conversations will have to be had regarding whether they stick around or retire.
But head coach Todd Bowles revealed that the franchise has put that decision solely in the hands of Mike and David.
"We both had long talks today individually, and we had our private conversations, I think they've earned that right to make that decision when the time comes," Bowles said. "They are both heart and soul is in the Buccaneers, and it's just a matter of once they get over the pain and the wound and see how they feel and think clearly, and we'll kind of go from there.
"But we've allowed them to make that decision, so we'll wait and see."
More: Why did Buccaneers miss the playoffs? Todd Bowles offers honest truth
2025 wasted season for Tampa Bay
After starting the year 5-1, many thought that, at the very least, Tampa Bay was playoff-bound.
But a second-half skid saw the Buccaneers struggle to stay afloat and were pipped at the finish line by the Carolina Panthers despite beating them in Week 18.
Injuries again hurt the team, and they were swimming against the tide for most of 2025. In the end, it was just too big a hurdle to overcome.
Now, as the offseason comes into view, the futures of players like Evans and David come into focus.
Two key players' futures are up in the air, and no one knows which way they will go.
More Buccaneers news:
- Buccaneers get what they deserve after Week 18 disaster
- Buccaneers 'break that spell' in Week 18, but too little, too late?
- No Week 18 pity party for Buccaneers' Todd Bowles
- Why Buccaneers' 'main focus' is an odd aspect of Week 18