Just one day after Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans implored his agent to set the record straight on false reports about his retirement, the legendary playmaker decided to do it himself.
According to multiple reports, Evans will play a 13th NFL season in 2026, although there’s no guarantee the coveted free agent will play for the Buccaneers, where he’s spent his entire career to this point.
“WR Mike Evans WILL return in 2026,” ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin wrote on her official X account on Tuesday. “His agents Deryk Gilmore + Darren Jones tell me the future HOFer will play this upcoming season — and *will* explore his free agency options. One of the league’s most consistent playmakers will be back — but we’ll see if it’ll be w/ the Bucs.”
“Bucs receiver Mike Evans plans to play in 2026 and explore options in free agency, according to his agent Deryk Gilmore,” Tampa Bay Times NFL reporter Rick Stroud wrote on his official X account. “Bucs would be in play. ‘Yes, that’s correct. He is opening it up,’ Gilmore said. ‘That he will play next season with someone. It could be Tampa but Will definitely play a 13th season.’ ”
Evans set the NFL record for most consecutive seasons to start a career with 1,000 receiving yards and tied Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice with 11 consecutive seasons of 1,000 receiving yards in 2024.
“Sources: Bucs 6x Pro Bowl WR Mike Evans wants to continue playing and fully intends to play a 13th season in 2026,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote on X. “Where that will be is up in the air as he’s an impending free agent, but Evans’ heart has always been in Tampa.”
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