While everyone is focused on the needs Washington has on defense this offseason, there are needs on offense as well. Washington needs a receiving tight end, a running back and, perhaps most importantly, a legitimate starting wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin.
George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys is a top free agent. However, Dallas is expected to franchise tag Pickens. Therefore, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is expected to get the most attention. If the Colts can’t prevent Pierce from hitting free agency, he’ll have a strong market. Would Washington general manager Adam Peters want to get involved in a bidding war for Pierce?
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Pickens and Pierce get the most attention, but the most accomplished free agent receiver is Mike Evans. Evans will enter his 13th NFL season in 2026, having spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When Evans retires, he will likely be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Prior to last season, Evans tied Jerry Rice with more than 1,000 receiving yards in his first 11 seasons. Due to injuries, Evans only played eight games in 2025.
The Buccaneers want to keep Evans, but they won’t break the bank for the soon-to-be 33-year-old. That means he’s likely to become a free agent.
Last week, Sports Illustrated made bold predictions about every team and sent Evans to Washington. On paper, this makes sense. Evans is exactly the type of receiver Jayden Daniels needs opposite McLaurin. He’s reliable, 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 off, remember when general manager Adam Peters said the Commanders needed to be “younger and faster” in 2026? While Evans is still a good receiver, he doesn’t help Washington get any younger or faster.
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On top of that, Evans will be 33 when the season starts. Do we remember what happened last offseason? The Commanders allowed the contract standoff with McLaurin to drag on until late in the preseason before agreeing to terms on an extension. A big sticking point in these negotiations is McLaurin’s age. McLaughlin was not yet 30 when the two parties negotiated. He turns 30 in September.
So why would Peters sign a player two years older than McLaurin?
There are often exceptions to every rule. Commanders will explore every option to improve their teams. If Evans becomes a free agent, Washington will undoubtedly discuss adding him. However, based on what we know, this doesn’t make sense. To make matters worse, Evans suffered three separate injuries last season: a hamstring, a concussion and a broken collarbone.
The Commanders will add help at wide receiver, just don’t count on Evans, although he can still help them.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: History Shows They Won’t Go After Mike Evans