Buccaneers' Mike Evans retirement decision timeline given update by Bucs beat writer

It really seems like no one knows what Mike Evans wants to do.

There's a decent chance the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' future Hall of Fame wide receiver doesn't even know what he wants to do about retirement and free agency.

Evans will be a free agent when the new league year arrives in March. He's also at least been floated as someone who might retire.

If he doesn't retire, then he has to decide whether he sticks with Tampa Bay or goes to chase a ring elsewhere.

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It won't be as high-profile as Travis Kelce's decision, but it could have just as big an impact on his current team's future, as well as any other team he could consider as a free agent.

In a new story by Tampa Bay Times writer Rick Stroud, the beat writer uses this line:

"He needs some time and space to make a decision."

That's how Stroud ended the story. He took time to explain the various rumors that are out there, as well as the idea that Evans may not want to call it quits after an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Stroud also shared this key information: "Mike Evans hasn’t had the first discussion with the Bucs about his future. There have been no conversations about 2026 with his agent, Deryk Gilmore, who is currently focused on clients in the NFL draft."

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It sounds like this is a decision for a bit down the road. Evans is decompressing after another season in the books, and next season still seems like a long way away.

The veteran Evans has earned the right to take his time, and he'll use it to make the decision he feels is the best one.

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