For the first time in his 12-year NFL career, Mike Evans may be considering leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 32-year-old is set to become a free agent again, and according to his agent Derryk Gilmore, he wants to play another season. The question is whether it will still be as a member of the Bucs, the only team he’s known since arriving as the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
If Evans is forced to move on from Tampa Bay, there will likely be a large number of teams targeting the six-time Pro Bowler in free agency. Below, we evaluate some of the best fits for the future Hall of Famer.
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Los Angeles Chargers
Although he missed the 1,000-yard barrier for the first time in his career, Evans can still be an impact receiver for any team he signs with. That certainly includes the Chargers, where he’d likely be among Justin Herbert‘s top targets. Plus, Jim Harbaugh likes receivers who aren’t afraid to put their bodies on the line as run blockers, and Evans fits the bill.
San Francisco 49ers
One destination where Evans could both join a contender and emerge as a top receiving threat is with the San Francisco 49ers, who could be set to lose Jauan Jennings in free agency, while saying goodbye to Brandon Aiyuk too. Evans not only could help the 49ers as a run blocker, but he’d also give Brock Purdy a big redzone target at 6-foot-5.
Buffalo Bills
This one is obvious. The Buffalo Bills are expected to hunt for another playmaker this offseason, and while Keon Coleman hasn’t developed the way they hoped, Evans can emerge as a reliable weapon for Josh Allen while still showing the former second-round receiver the ropes.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes didn’t have enough help last season. The Kansas City Chiefs will look to fix that this offseason. That could happen in the draft, but relying on a rookie is a gamble. Meanwhile, if the Chiefs want a sure thing, they could turn to Evans, who has recorded 11 1,000-yard seasons in his 12 years in the league. Plus, like most players on the Chiefs, he already has a Super Bowl ring.
New England Patriots
While they managed to have an extremely strong one-season turnaround, the New England Patriots came up short in Super Bowl LX. They’ll need to build a better foundation for Drake Maye. Of course that starts with the offensive line, but getting him a big target who can outmuscle defenders or outreach them could make a sizable difference, especially near the end zone. Can Evans help the Patriots get back to the Super Bowl, and actually win it this time?
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