Bucs WR Mike Evans Pushes Back on ‘Rebuilding’ Narrative

The conversation surrounding the state of the Buccaneers after Tom Brady‘s retirement has been a hot-button topic all offseason. But after Tampa Bay’s first preseason game, wide receiver Mike Evans disputed the idea that the Bucs won’t be able to compete ably in the NFC South this season.

The Buccaneers are assumed by many to be in a rebuilding phase currently following Brady’s retirement. Tampa Bay reached the playoffs three times in three seasons year with Brady at the helm, including a Super Bowl win to cap the 2020 season.

Evans doesn’t agree with the narrative and believes the Buccaneers remain in win-now mode despite the loss of Brady.

“Rebuilding? We are just trying to win right now,” Evans said, via ESPN. “I don’t know why people don’t see that. Win the division, after that people can take care of themselves.”

Brady’s successor has yet to be named, as Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask remain in a battle for the starting role. Mayfield completed eight of nine passes for 63 yards and one touchdown in Friday’s preseason loss to the Steelers, while Trask completed six of 10 passes for 99 yards with one interception.

Tampa Bay won the NFC South last season with an 8–9 record but lost in the wild-card round of the playoffs to the Cowboys.