The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the NFL free agency negotiating window with high hopes of bringing back longtime star wide receiver Mike Evans.
While there was still optimism within the organization that a deal could get done, their dreams were dashed. Evans quickly decided to sign a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers rather than continuing on with the only NFL team he had ever played for.
Evans will be sorely missed by the Buccaneers’ offense. Now, they will need to pivot to how they can replace him.
Chris Godwin will be a huge piece of that puzzle. He is capable of being a No. 1 wideout and was paid as such last offseason in free agency. However, star quarterback Baker Mayfield will need another weapon or two with Evans no longer in town.
Keeping that in mind, Tampa Bay has been linked to a player who could help ease the loss of Evans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linked to Dynamic Offensive Playmaker
There are still some options the Buccaneers could take a look at in free agency. They could also consider exploring the trade market to bring in another weapon for Mayfield.
Should they choose to pass on those options, the 2026 NFL Draft will give them a chance to upgrade the offense.
Shane Hallam of Draft Sharks has released a new mock draft. His new prediction would see Tampa Bay land Oregon standout tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 15 overall pick.
“Not only does he present savvy route running, but Sadiq’s athleticism and high-pointing are unmatched in this class. He could make an immediate impact,” Hallam wrote.
“Competing for passes with Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin may not help Sadiq’s fantasy production early on, but the offense should throw the ball enough to keep him involved.”
Kenyon Sadiq Has Become a Hot Name in the 2026 NFL Draft
Throughout the early part of the pre-draft process, Sadiq has become a talked about name. He has the body and talent to become one of the NFL’s best tight ends if he can reach his ceiling.
During the 2025 college football season with the Oregon Ducks, Sadiq racked up 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. He played all three years of his college career at Oregon and totaled 80 receptions for 892 yards and 11 scores.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein has unveiled a head-turning NFL comparison for Sadiq. He believes that the Ducks’ standout could be a similar player to Arizona Cardinals star tight end Trey McBride.
If Sadiq can become that kind of tight end, Mayfield would be given an elite weapon. He wouldn’t directly replace Evans on the outside, but his level of production could ease the pain of losing such an impactful wide receiver.
Obviously, the NFL Draft is still over a month away. No one knows if Sadiq will be available at No. 15 or if the Buccaneers would target him. But, the option could make a lot of sense with Tampa Bay needing more offensive firepower.
Buccaneers Linked to Weapon Who Could Help Replace Mike Evans