Mike Evans retirement latest as Bucs’ ‘precedence’ – Sports News
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will reportedly make retaining Mike Evans a “top priority” this offseason ought to the star huge receiver determine he’s not prepared to hold up the cleats simply but.
Evans’ future within the NFL is clouded unsure after the 32-year-old suffered a damaged collarbone during the Buccaneers’ 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 7. He was subsequently positioned on injured reserve, with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport estimating him to be sidelined for “eight weeks or fewer.”
Even earlier than going down with a damaged collarbone on ‘Monday Night Football,’ Evans missed three video games this season upon sustaining a hamstring pressure in Week 3. Given his age and collection of health setbacks, followers and pundits alike have puzzled if the 2025 marketing campaign may very well be his final.
Addressing the state of affairs on Friday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler famous that whereas retirement “is on the table” for Evans, the Buccaneers could be more than blissful to deliver him back if he decides to play one other yr.
“He is a high precedence as a result of he is a timeless offensive playmaker,” Fowler wrote. “Evans turned 32 in August and is out for an extended period because of a broken collarbone. Retirement is on the table, but he is still a force when healthy.
“It’s hard to envision him playing in any other color but Bucs pewter next season. The Bucs would like to keep their core together, a preference that will be tested with free agent tight end Cade Otton as well.”
When healthy, Evans has proven to be one of the most productive and dependable targets in the entire league. In 2024, he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th straight campaign — thereby tying Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Yet Evans — who’s slated to become a free agent this upcoming offseason — is well aware that his time in the NFL is winding down. While making an appearance on the ‘Up & Adams’ show back in August, the 12-year veteran expressed confidence that he’d be able to play another 2-3 years at a high level — though his bold declaration came before the recent flurry of injuries.
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“Right now, I’m just focused on this season,” he mentioned on the time. “This is the final yr of my deal. I’m clearly an older participant, however I really feel great. Retirement on the finish of the season is not off the desk, and taking part in for, you realize, 2-5 years isn’t off the desk both.
“I do know I’m not taking part in 5 more years, however proper now, when you ask me right now, it is easy for me to say I can play one other 2, 3 years. But, it is a lot that goes into the season.”
While Evans didn’t decide to a set quantity of seasons he’ll play, the Galveston, Texas native asserted there’s just one staff he’d go well with up for. “Yeah, I’m a Buc for life. No matter what,” he mentioned.
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