MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DEC 28: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver Mike Evans 13 trots onto the field before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Miami Dolphins on December 28, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 28 Buccaneers at Dolphins EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon357251228097
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DEC 28: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver Mike Evans 13 trots onto the field before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Miami Dolphins on December 28, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 28 Buccaneers at Dolphins EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon357251228097
Jan 1, 2026, 4:59 PM CUT
Mike Evans Reflects on Future With Buccaneers After Injury-Plagued Season
As we head into the battle of the South, it’s the Buccaneers going against Carolina in Week 18. And while the NFC South title is certainly at play, it means even more for Mike Evans, who might be playing his final game.
Ahead of their game against the Panthers, Evans was once again asked about his retirement. Well, it’s safe to say that he was indecisive about his future.
“I just approach it how I always approach it,” he said. “It’s whatever happens, happens. I’ll focus on that when the time is right. Right now, we have to win.”
Evans talked about how the broken collarbone he suffered might have changed his mind. And that wasn't the only injury. In addition to his first-ever broken bone, he missed three games with a hamstring strain.
“It’s kind of a blessing in disguise. I missed the game more than I thought I would. And I come back and I still got the love for the game. And who knows what it’ll do for me in the future?”
He has been a legend for the Buccaneers, earning 6 Pro Bowl selections. In 12 seasons, Evans has scored 108 touchdowns for 13018 receiving yards.
If he retires after the game against Carolina, the Bucs would give a perfect sendoff to a legend, giving away 13000 Evans bobbleheads to the first 13000 fans arriving.
What the Buccaneers need to do to clinch the playoffs
Tampa Bay is currently in second place in the NFC South with a 7-9 record. They will face the Panthers, who are on top with 8 wins and 8 losses in 16 games.
The situation is quite difficult for them to qualify, as they have lost seven out of their last eight games. They can punch their ticket into the playoffs by clinching the NFC South title.
A win for Tampa Bay would make both of their records the same, 8-9. In that situation, the game between the already eliminated divisional teams, the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints, becomes important.
If the Saints, who are on a four-game winning streak, defeat the Falcons, the Bucs seal their place. However, if the opposite happens, it will create a three-way tie at the top, with the Panthers confirming their spot in the playoffs thanks to the tiebreaker.
Written by
Kalp Thaker
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar