Who Should I Start? Mike Evans or Mike Williams

Saturday, February 28, 4:17 AM

At the NFL Combine on Thursday, sources told Jenna Laine of ESPN that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will "aggressively pursue" attempts to re-sign wide receiver Mike Evans ahead of the 2026 season. The 32-year-old pass catcher played in a career-low eight games in 2025 due to collarbone and hamstring injuries, and was unable to extend his streak of 1,000-yard seasons to 12. When active and healthy in Weeks 1 through 3 and 15 through 18, however, Evans was quarterback Baker Mayfield's preferred target, averaging eight targets and 39% air yards share per game. If Evans does return to Tampa, he profiles as a low-end WR2 due to his target volume and the likelihood that he will lead a packed wide receiver room.

Thursday, July 17, 2:08 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, who was recently placed on the training-camp PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons. The 30-year-old entered the NFL as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chargers following a stellar career at Clemson. He spent the first seven seasons of his pro career with L.A. before playing for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Overall, Williams tallied 330 receptions for 5,104 yards and 32 touchdowns. He hangs up his cleats with two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume. Known as a big-play threat, his impact diminished later in his career as he aged and dealt with injury. While he was unlikely to be a significant factor for the Chargers this year, his departure gives Quentin Johnston more breathing room after a slow start to his NFL career.