Mike Evans’ free agency could shift NFC South

By Ross Jackson

The NFC South is finally gearing up for an exciting season of improvement almost across the board of all three teams. The Atlanta Falcons are embarking upon their new era with new head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Carolina Panthers seek to repeat their playoff appearance from 2025 and the New Orleans Saints potentially have their long-term answers at head coach and quarterback. However, it may be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that could face a step back in 2026.

Per ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin, while Tampa’s top wide receiver for over a decade, Mike Evans, is expected to return to the NFL this year, in the process he will be exploring free agent options beyond the Buccaneers.

There appears to still be a fair chance that the 12-year veteran does return to Tampa, but by exploring additional options in free agency, there is a chance that the wideout could head elsewhere. 

Since 2014, Evans has been a part of the ongoing competitive nature across the division. From his well-documented rivalry with former Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore to his 11-year streak of 1,000 yard receiving seasons, he’s been a major piece of the NFC South puzzle. The history of the division effectively can’t be told without him. At least, through 2025 for now.

If Evans were to head elsewhere outside of the division, the move would have a damaging effect on the Buccaneers’ offense. 

Last year, the Bucs went from averaging 224.9 passing yards per game and a 6-2 record in their eight games with Evans in the lineup to finishing the season 2-7 over the final nine matchups and averaging just 187 passing yards per game in the process while he was out with injury.

Tampa has a budding young pass-catcher in wide receiver Emeka Egbuka who can help to close the gap should Evans depart. But the Saints would more than certainly be coming out on the right side of the equation even still. 

If the Buccaneers begin to shed veteran talent as young Saints defenders gather more experience and exposure in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense, it would have a sizeable, positive impact for New Orleans.