Mike Evans Patriots Fit Tied to Drake Maye
Drake Maye is viewed around the league as a rising centerpiece, and the Patriots can pitch a clear role for Evans as a true outside finisher.
Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Evans still posted 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns, and that down year is the exception in a career that includes 866 receptions, 13,052 yards, and 108 touchdowns.
REPORT
— Savage (@SavageSports_) February 23, 2026
Per: @JasonLaCanfora
The Patriots are interested in free agent WR Mike Evans.
👀 pic.twitter.com/g7clIk2WUH
He also opened his career with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons, a streak that put him in rare air historically, even before it finally snapped.
Mike Evans Free Agency List Includes Patriots, 49ers
The teams getting mentioned alongside the Patriots tell you what kind of situation Evans is chasing.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still in the picture, but not viewed as a lock, and the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers have also been floated as fits based on offensive structure and quarterback play.
The Philadelphia Eagles were mentioned as well, though that seems tied to the idea of a major receiver shakeup there.
“Mike Evans, unbelievable career in Tampa…he’s gonna be motivated to chase a Super Bowl, hasn’t sniffed one in Tampa”
— JPA (@jasrifootball) February 18, 2026
Mike Evans literally won a Super Bowl in Tampa.pic.twitter.com/sFbgHswb3N
For the Patriots, they’ve been searching for a consistent, high-end touchdown threat on the outside for years, and Evans has been exactly that throughout his career.
He has hit double-digit touchdowns six times, he’s a Super Bowl champion, and he produced in the playoffs too with 52 catches, 801 yards, and six scores across 10 postseason games.
If the Patriots want to accelerate Maye’s development and make 2026 feel like a real jump year, this is the type of move that changes the temperature of the entire offense.
Photo Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
