The 2025 NFL season is officially in the rear-view.
A season capped off by theSeattle Seahawkswinning Super Bowl 60 over theNew England Patriotssaw many streaks come to an end. TheKansas City Chiefsdidn't win the AFC West for the first time in a decade.Baltimoremissed the playoffs and parted ways with coach John Harbaugh after 18 years. The team that knocked them out of contention -Pittsburgh- has a new coach in 2026 for the first time since 2007 after Mike Tomlin stepped down.
On an individual level, one of the more remarkable streaks came to an end. For the first time in his 12-year career, wide receiverMike Evansdid not reach 1,000 receiving yards. An injury-marred season limited him to 368 yards in just eight games.
He's not done yet, though.
Evans will return in 2026 for a 13th season, permultiplereports. He turns 33 years old in August and will be a free agent this offseason.
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TheTampa Bay Buccaneersselected Evans No. 7 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. He's spent the entirety of his 12-year career with theBuccaneers. Those 12 years featured two second-team All-Pro awards and six Pro Bowl honors.
Evans suffered hamstring and clavicle injuries as well as a concussion in 2025, which kept him out for nine out of 17 games. He'd tied Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice for the most 1,000-yard receiving seasons in a row with 11 entering the 2025 season, but the injuries meant he would not break that long-standing record.
Evans will test free agency for the first time in his career this offseason. Tampa Bay may end up bringing him back; the franchise has $23.9 million in cap space, perOverTheCap.
But the team has young talent at the position inEmeka Egbuka,Jalen McMillan, andTez Johnsonas well as veteranChris Godwinand could decide to spend that money elsewhere.
Mike Evans career stats
Here's how Evans ranks all-time in receiving statistics:
Receptions: 866 (31st)
Receiving yards: 13,052 (21st)
Receiving touchdowns: 108 (10th)
Scrimmage yards: 13,062 (51st)
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Is Mike Evans playing in 2026? Here's what we know