NFL insider names Patriots possible landing spot for future Hall of Famer

Despite reaching the Super Bowl in 2025, the New England Patriots have some glaring weaknesses on their roster that must be addressed this offseason, especially at wide receiver.

Outside of Stefon Diggs, New England lacks high-level production in the receiver room, but it sounds like the team has a plan to bolster the position through free agency.

Tony Pauline of EssentiallySports says he's spoken to sources who believe Mike Evans has played his final snap with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Pauline believes the Patriots and the Buffalo Bills would be logical landing spots for Evans if he does end up departing Tampa Bay in the spring.

"Those I’ve spoken with over the past week believe it’s less than 50-50 the veteran wideout re-signs with Tampa and that his career with the Buccaneers is likely finished. He’d like to go to a contender and win another title. I figured the New England Patriots would be a good fit, as Evans would be the final piece for their offense, yet people in the know believe the Buffalo Bills are the team likely to target the former All-Pro."

A collarbone injury caused Evans to miss nine games in 2025 and caused him to lose his 1,000-yard receiving streak. The Texas A&M product tallied 368 yards and three touchdowns this year.

Though Evans may be slowing down a bit, he is still capable of being a productive playmaker, especially for a contending team.

The Patriots could use a big-bodied receiver on the perimeter like Evans. The six-time Pro Bowler would give quarterback Drake Maye a lethal red-zone threat and savvy intermediate playmaker.

New England is projected to have $31 million in cap space, which should be more than enough to sign Evans and still have money left to address other needs. Evans' value on the free agency market has likely dipped a bit after an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, but the Patriots should still pursue the future Hall of Famer and surround Maye with the best talent possible.

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