Mike Evans, a wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ended the 2024 regular season with a notable achievement. On the last offensive play of the season, Evans caught a nine-yard pass, which pushed his season total to 1,004 receiving yards. This marked his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season, an NFL record for the start of a career. The accomplishment was significant given that injuries had sidelined him for three games and limited his participation in two others.
In 2025, Evans faced further injury challenges and was unable to extend his streak due to missing too many games. Despite these setbacks, his consistent production over more than a decade stands out. He has not missed more than four games in any single season until now and maintained high performance throughout.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL season, Evans will be 33 years old and entering what would be his 13th year in the league. He is among 17 players from Tampa Bay’s final 2025 roster who could become unrestricted free agents on March 11. Both Evans and linebacker Lavonte David are highlighted as key free agents this offseason.
Evans was drafted seventh overall by Tampa Bay in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. His previous contracts included a standard rookie deal with a fifth-year option and later extensions that kept him with the team through recent seasons.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Evans ranks as the 13th top free agent for 2026: “Evans’ streak of 1,000-yard seasons came to an end after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign, and it is fair to question whether his best days are behind him. Still, at 32 years old, he is just one season removed from earning a 90.2 PFF receiving grade, leaving him more than capable of serving as a strong short-term option.”
During the injury-affected 2025 campaign, Evans played eight games—seven effectively—and recorded 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns. After returning from injured reserve late in the season, he posted six catches for 132 yards against Atlanta and scored touchdowns in each of the following two games.
Evans holds several franchise records for Tampa Bay: career receptions (866), receiving yards (13,052), touchdown catches (108), total touchdowns (109), points scored (662), and most games with at least 100 receiving yards (43). He also leads in postseason receptions (52), yards (801), and touchdowns (six) for the team.
He has made six Pro Bowl appearances—the most by any offensive player tied with fullback Mike Alstott in franchise history—and was ranked fourth among all-time Buccaneers players during their recent anniversary celebrations.
On an NFL level, Evans’ career touchdown total ranks tenth all-time; he needs four more to move past Hall-of-Famer Antonio Gates into ninth place. He is also among league leaders historically in receptions and receiving yards.
The upcoming offseason features several other notable wide receivers potentially entering free agency—including George Pickens, Deebo Samuel, Alec Pierce, Romeo Doubs, Jauan Jennings, Wan’Dale Robinson, Rashid Shaheed, Christian Kirk, Keenan Allen and Jalen Nailor—as well as prospects available in the 2026 NFL Draft such as Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) and Carnell Tate (Ohio State).
The Buccaneers have scheduled reviews of their pending free agents throughout February and early March; Mike Evans’ status remains central to their plans heading into next season.
