Despite some speculation that they could move on from Todd Bowles, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers weren’t one of the 10 NFL teams that hired a new head coach this offseason. But that doesn’t mean next season’s team won’t look different than the one that took the field in 2025.
One potential change could be the loss of six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans, who’s set for free agency after 12 seasons with the team. The Buccaneers are the only NFL team Evans has ever known.
However, if Evans does move on, the Bucs could potentially replace his spot with another big target who’s also a former Pro Bowl pass-catcher.
Recently, Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer called the Buccaneers an “interesting” fit for upcoming free agent tight end Kyle Pitts, from the Atlanta Falcons.
“Kyle Pitts had a terrific, breakout season—going for 928 yards and five scores on 88 catches—that very few people saw coming. There will be teams after him. He could be a nice replacement for Travis Kelce in Kansas City if the veteran tight end retires. The Giants could bring him in as a gift to Jaxson Dart, and that Kelce role would exist for him in Matt Nagy’s offense. The Buccaneers could be an interesting destination as well, with ex-Atlanta OC Zac Robinson now there. And if Pitts gets too pricey, then, sure, David Njoku would be an option.”
SI’s Albert Breer on Kyle Pitts
Pitts, the fourth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, is still just 25 years old. While Evans’ 6-foot-5 frame helped him become one of the game’s greatest receivers in the past decade-plus, Pitts is an inch taller at 6-foot-6.
Of course, Pitts does play the tight end position rather than receiver, but the Buccaneers have been searching for an impact player at the position, really, since Rob Gronkowski retired after the 2021 season. Pitts could be their playmaking solution for years to come. Though, several teams are expected to express interest in the second-team All-Pro this offseason.
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