Recent history suggests Commanders won't pursue Bucs star Mike Evans
· Yahoo Sports
While everyone focuses on the Washington Commanders' need for defensive help this offseason, there are also needs on offense, too. Washington needs a receiving tight end, a running back and, perhaps most importantly, a legit starting wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin.
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George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys is the top free agent. However, Dallas is expected to apply the franchise tag on Pickens. Therefore, Indianapolis Colts wideout Alec Pierce is expected to draw the most attention. If the Colts can't keep Pierce from free agency, he will have a robust market. Will Washington GM Adam Peters want to get into a bidding war for Pierce?
Pickens and Pierce are drawing the most attention, but the most accomplished free-agent receiver is Mike Evans. Evans will be entering his 13th NFL season in 2026, and he's spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When Evans is done playing, there's a good chance he ends up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Before last season, Evans went over 1,000 yards receiving in his first 11 seasons, tying Jerry Rice. Injuries limited Evans to eight games in 2025.
The Bucs want to keep Evans, but they're not going to break the bank for the soon-to-be 33-year-old. That means there's a real chance he'll hit free agency.
Last week, Sports Illustrated made bold predictions for every team and sent Evans to Washington. On paper, it makes a ton of sense. Evans would be the exact type of receiver Jayden Daniels needs opposite McLaurin. He's dependable, is the ultimate red-zone target and catches everything in his vicinity. Whether it's Jameis Winston, Tom Brady, or Baker Mayfield, Evans is a quarterback's best friend.
While it sounds good in theory, here's why it doesn't make sense. First, remember how GM Adam Peters said the Commanders needed to get "younger and faster" in 2026? While he remains an excellent receiver, Evans doesn't help Washington get younger or faster.
Most importantly, Evans will be 33 when the season begins. Do we remember what happened last offseason? The Commanders allowed the contract stalemate with McLaurin to drag late into the preseason before agreeing to terms on an extension. A big sticking point in those negotiations was McLaurin's age. McLaurin hadn't even turned 30 yet while the two sides negotiated. He turned 30 in September.
So, why would Peters sign a player who is two years older than McLaurin?
There is often an exception to every rule. The Commanders will explore every option to improve their team. If Evans hits free agency, Washington will undoubtedly discuss adding him. However, given what we know, it just doesn't make sense. It doesn't help that Evans suffered three separate injuries last season: hamstring, concussion and broken clavicle.
The Commanders will add help at wide receiver, just don't expect it to be Evans, even though he could still help them.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: History says they will not pursue Mike Evans