Bucs could be the victim of Mike Evans’ own legendary career if he leaves in free agency
A quirk in the NFL rules could cost the Bucs if Evans leaves town.
Will he stay or will he go? The question continues to weigh on the minds of Bucs fans regarding Mike Evans as we finally cross past the threshold for the start of NFL free agency in 2026. Players and their representation could finally start negotiating with teams at noon on Monday, so the click is now ticking on what Evans will do for his 2026 season.
There’s not much upside to Evans leaving, to speak the obvious. The franchise’s greatest offensive player ever and future Pro Football Hall of Famer is still playing at a high level, as evidenced last season. The Bucs’ offense struggled mightily with him out from October to December as he recovered from a collarbone injury.
That said, one of the few silver linings to a player leaving in free agency is the addition of a compensatory draft pick by the team losing said player. It’s one of the tools that helps keep a level of competitive balance in the game.
However, Evans’ own lengthy career could work against Tampa Bay in that respect. As FOX Sports’ Greg Auman notes, due to Evans being a free agent with a decade of experience, the Bucs can get only a fifth-round pick at most if they lose him.
Bucs can only get a 5th round compensatory pick at best if they lose Mike Evans in free agency
Compensatory picks can rise as high as the third round, which are tacked on after the 32 regular picks for the round (65-96). What round the compensatory picks are calculated are based on a formula that includes the new contract annual amount, the percentage of snaps played, and any applicable honors (AP All-Pro, etc.). There is a strict limit of 32 compensatory picks each year.
While the formula can be confusing or complicated, it’s a good bet that Evans will get a strong, competitive free agent offer that could put the Bucs in position to land a compensatory pick higher than the fifth round. And it’s undeniable that there’s a major difference between picking in the third round and the fifth. Heck, even between the fourth and the fifth.
When you potentially need to find multiple linebackers and edge rushers, a cornerback, a starting-level tight end, a running back, defensive line depth, a backup quarterback, and interior offensive line depth, every round and every pick matters.
So, if the Bucs do end up losing Evans this week, then the sting will only be even worse.
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