Mike Evans' projected free agent market value could spell Buccaneers end

Adam Schultz

Mike Evans' projected free agent market value could spell Buccaneers end image

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans will find himself at the top of most conversations for the franchise this offseason.

Why? Because he's a free agent.

After a 2025 season ruined by injury, given Mike's age, there's a chance he rides off into the sunset as one of the best receivers in franchise history.

Of course, he could also return for another crack at it with Baker Mayfield.

But money talks, and CBS Sports' Garrett Podell, in his list of the top free agents this offseason, has Evans at No. 17 with a projected free-agent market value that might be too high for Tampa Bay.

"It would be shocking to see him anywhere outside of Tampa Bay, but if he actually hit the market, he could garner the type of $15 million-$22 million per-year deal that his peers like Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs and Cooper Kupp signed last offseason," Podell wrote.

More: Analyst offers hard-hitting Buccaneers head coach question

Should Bucs re-sign Evans?

Head coach Todd Bowles made it clear at the end of the season that Evans, along with Lavonte David, had earned the right to make a call on their future.

Given the Buccaneers' abundance of weapons, if Evans did retire or play elsewhere, Tampa Bay would still be in good shape.

But it is Mike Evans. A Buccaneers legend.

The question is money.

A one-year contract at $15 million. Would Mike do that? Or does he want a multi-year deal? 

All of that has to be weighed up in the coming weeks and months. It is hard to envision Evans playing for another team, so the choices seem simple in 2026.

Either retire or return with the Bucs.

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Senior Editor