Buccaneers' 2026 prospects revealed after Mike Evans' free agency decision

Dec 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) walks on the field during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew that Mike Evans was likely walking out the door as soon as the season ended.

With Evans exploring his options, most knew that he was going to play elsewhere in 2026...and he will be, with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Buccaneers revealed they offered more than the 49ers did for Evans, and that says it all about how Mike viewed Tampa Bay's 2026 hopes.

And then there's this. CBS Sports' Garrett Podell has named the Buccaneers as a big loser of free agency due to Evans' decision.

"Wide receiver Mike Evans is perhaps the best Tampa Bay Buccaneer ever," Podell wrote. "For him to leave the franchise after 12 seasons means he gave up on being able to play relevant football in Tampa Bay.

"There isn't any guaranteed money on the contract after Year 1, so it's essentially a one-year deal in which the 49ers have two team options. That says an awful lot about the Buccaneers' current prospects that Evans chose the arrangement with San Francisco over the comfort of his only NFL home where he has already won a Super Bowl."

More: Analyst reveals brutal reality awaiting Dolphins' Malik Willis

Are Buccaneers relevant in 2026?

Well, the thing I keep coming back to is that the receiver cupboard isn't exactly bare with Evans moving on.

Plus, Tampa had good practice over the last two seasons playing without Evans in the lineup, as he only played eight games in 2025 and 14 in 2024.

Baker Mayfield's weapons aren't depleted, and you could make the case that most offenses in the league would love to work with what Baker has.

Yes, Evans does leave a hole, both on and off the field, but I get the sense Tampa is more than capable of dealing with his departure. No, it won't likely challenge for a Super Bowl like the 49ers, but a playoff team? That is possible.

And it is clear that Evans doesn't just want to make the postseason; he wants to win it all.

More NFL news:

• Vikings' J.J. McCarthy named biggest loser of free agency
• Latest Vikings QB move a red flag for J.J. McCarthy
• Commanders' free agency shift key to 2026 bounce back
• Analyst predicts Steelers' QB situation headed down path fans won't like
• Raiders again linked with Pro Bowl QB
• Analyst gives compelling reason for Chargers' slow free agency approach
• Commanders linked with star WR for Jayden Daniels