Who could replace Mike Evans?
By: Jake Rajala
There is no secret: Mike Evans is bound to be a free agent this offseason. I wouldn’t be surprised if he left the Buccaneers to join a more realistic Super Bowl contender. Hence, I’m going to lay out potential replacements for him.
Jauan Jennings
Jauan Jennings stepped up to the plate this season. He had nine receiving touchdowns (which was sixth in the league), which was quite impressive. He is also 28 years old, which is a few years younger than Evans. Jauan had 975 receiving yards and 77 grabs in 15 games in 2024. I wouldn’t be shocked if Jennings, who is a 2026 free agent, looks for the biggest offer at this point in his career.
A.J. Brown
A.J. Brown is simply not utilized to his fullest potential. He knows it. Philly knows it. It’s time for a divorce between the two squads. He had 1,003 receiving yards and several receiving touchdowns last season. Like Jauan, Brown is 28 years old, os he has a few years left of dominance left in him.
Tyreek Hill
Let’s face it: the Dolphins and Tyreek Hill are bound to go their “own way” this offseason. Hill needs to join a team that can make the playoffs. The combination of Hill and the Bucs should make them NFC South champions. Hill was once the best “overall” NFL player. He still has a lot of juice left in him.
Alec Pierce
Alec Pierce is one of the best deep threats in the league. He recorded four catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns in his latets game. He unleashed 1,003 yards this season and averaged a league lead 21.3 YPC. In 2024, he also led the league in YPC with 22.3. Pierce is also 25, so he’s in his prime.
Garrett Wilson
The New York Jets are rebulding. They shipped away Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams last season. I expect them to let Breece Hall to choose his team in free agency. So, I wouldn’t be shocked if the young RB uses his golden ticket to leave New York. As for Garrett Wilson, he can’t be excited with his QB situation in NY. The Bucs could trade their 2026 first round pick for him.
Justin Jefferson
The Bucs would really have to give up a lot for Justin Jefferson, but he may be worth it. After all, we just witnessed Jaxon Smith-Njigba win Offensive Player of the Year and his team won the Super Bowl! Jefferson has the worst QB situation in the league. Yet, he managed to record 1,048 receiving yards.
DJ Moore
The combination of Rome Odunzo and Luther Burden could make the veteran DJ Moore expendable. Moore is getting paid a whole lot to fight for receptions. I believe Moore can do better than 682 yards and six TDs. Moore can be a fine WR on the outside, while Chris Godwin remains a fine slot WR, and Emeka Egbuka plays on the other perimeter.
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