Analyst reveals easy way for Buccaneers to ensure Mike Evans return

The future of Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans is perhaps the most important storyline for the franchise to follow.

With the veteran reportedly waiting until after the Super Bowl to decide on his future, we still have roughly a week to wait.

There is a thought that there are two options for Evans. Retire or run it back with the Buccaneers.

Personally, I'm not sure about Evans joining another team in 2026, but this is the NFL, so you never know.

But Bleacher Report's Alex Kay thinks that one way to bring back Evans is on a reduced deal in 2026.

"Tampa would be wise to find a way to bring Evans back, even if that's on a budget one-year deal," Kay wrote. "If he can stay healthy in 2026, the wideout is a strong bet to get back to playing at a Pro Bowl level and could be a valuable contributor to a Bucs squad with aspirations of making a deep playoff run for the first time in the Mayfield era."

More: Steelers could fix Mike McCarthy's offense with 1 move

Do Buccaneers still need Evans?

In an ideal world, the Bucs would retain Evans, after all, he still offers a lot for the offense.

But with Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, Tez Johnson, and Jalen McMillan, Baker Mayfield has quite the group of weapons.

We then add in tight end Cade Otten and running back Bucky Irving, and now we can see the offensive prowess.

So, do the Bucs really need Evans? A player of his talent doesn't come along too often, so the franchise would be wise to try and hold onto him for as long as possible. Due to his ability on the field, and the wisdom he can impart off it.

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