As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into another crucial free agency period, the franchise is facing the real possibility of parting ways with longtime star receiver Mike Evans.

After 12 seasons in Tampa Bay, Evans is expected to explore his options once the negotiating window opens on March 9, according to head coach Todd Bowles. However, Bowles made it clear on Tuesday at the NFL combine in Indianapolis that the organization desperately wants him back.

“I’m hoping and praying (Mike Evans) comes back,” Bowles said. “He’s been a Buc his whole life. He’s done so much for the city and the team of Tampa Bay that it’s unmistakable. His legend is etched in stone there and he can still play at a high level. But he’s earned the right to look around in free agency.”

Evans was limited to just eight games last season because of a hamstring injury and a broken clavicle. But his late-season return proved he remains productive, as seen by a six-catch, 132-yard performance in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Evans ended the year with 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns. Before the injury-shortened 2025 campaign, he had already cemented his legacy in Tampa Bay history with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons.

Even as he approaches his 33rd birthday in August, Evans is expected to attract significant interest on the open market, with the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans rumored as potential suitors.

Bucs GM Jason Licht plans to meet with Mike Evans’ agent

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said on Tuesday that the team maintains a strong relationship with Mike Evans’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, and that discussions about a potential return are expected soon.

“We do have great communication with Mike’s agent,” Licht said. “I’ve dealt with him several times. It’s been awesome. It’s always been great meetings, great phone calls where we talk a lot. Yes, hopefully, we will be (meeting). We want Mike back. Mike has meant a lot to us, and ultimately we’d like him to retire as a Buc.”

After sustaining injuries in 2025, Evans took some time to reflect on whether he wanted to return for another season. His agent later confirmed to ESPN that the veteran wideout intends to play in 2026, which would mark his 13th year in the league, but his team for next season has yet to be determined.

The free agency negotiating period opens March 9 at noon ET. Evans could officially put pen to paper with a new team starting on March 11.