Mike Evans will return for a 13th NFL season, but the future Hall of Fame wide receiver will reportedly “explore his free agency options” after 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Should the New York Giants be one of those options?
The Giants, of course, are facing the possibility of losing 1,000-yard receiver Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency. Even if they keep Robinson adding pass-catching weapons for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart seems like it should be a priority. Malik Nabers is a star when healthy, but the Giants need more playmakers.
Evans, who will be 33 next season, had more than 1,000 yards receiving for the Buccaneers in each of his first 11 NFL seasons.
Evans played in only eight games in 2025 due to a broken collarbone and a hamstring injury. He finished the year with just 30 receptions and 368 receiving yards.
ESPN had this to say about the possibility Evans could leave the Buccaneers:
Evans has long said that he wants to be a “Buc for life” — and that he’s very fond of the team and the city of Tampa — and the Bucs have wanted this as well. But Evans also has said he wants to carefully weigh his options, knowing that he is in the tail end of his career.
The Athletic still ranks Evans as the No. 7 free agent on its list of the top 150 expected to be available.
Evans’ record-tying streak of 11 consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 yards ended in 2025 as he battled injuries. He was limited to eight games because of a hamstring injury and a broken clavicle. But he still has a rare size-speed-physicality blend. Evans is elite at the catch point in 50-50 situations. He is tough to handle at the line of scrimmage, even for bigger corners. And he is a three-level threat who can win in the short, intermediate and deep parts of the field.
Evans was finally healthy for a Week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons. He caught six passes for 132 yards. This game showed he still has the goods, though health will be a factor as Evans enters his age 33 season.
The Athletic’s contract projection for Evans is two years, $51 million
Pro Football Focus ranks Evans No. 13 on its list of the top 250 free agents. PFF’s contract projection is one-year, $18 million with $15 million guaranteed.
A six-time Pro Bowler, the 6-foot-5, 231-pound Evans has caught 866 passes for 13,052 yards with 108 touchdowns during his 12-year career.
A healthy Evans would help the development of Jaxson Dart and the productivity of the Giants’ offense. Would Evans consider the Giants now that John Harbaugh is head coach, or would he look for a team with a more consistent playoff pedigree in recent years?
If Evans is willing to consider the Giants, is he a player they should pursue?
