Buccaneers Free Up $38 Million in Cap Space Without Cutting a Single Player – GM Jason Licht’s “Genius” Plan Redefines How the NFL Operates

Jacksonville, Florida – February 2026 Liam Coen, the former offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and now head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, is pushing for a trade to acquire one of his favorite players from the Buccaneers to strengthen the Jaguars' offense. This move is considered a strategic play that could be difficult for the Buccaneers to reject. After an outstanding season in 2025, his first year as head coach, Coen led the Jaguars to a 13-4 regular season record, winning the AFC South title and securing their spot in the playoffs. This marked the Jaguars' best season since 1999, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence throwing for 38 total touchdowns and the offense setting a franchise-record 433 points in 16 games. Under Coen’s leadership, the Jaguars' defense also led the NFL in rushing defense. Coen is now focused on further bolstering the Jaguars' offensive power, and his top priority is bringing in Mike Evans, the veteran wide receiver of the Buccaneers. Evans, who is a free agent priority for Tampa Bay, has long been a favorite of Coen's due to their strong professional relationship during Coen’s time as offensive coordinator in 2024. Although Evans is not currently on the trading block, his potential departure from the Buccaneers has sparked rumors, with some insiders speculating that he could either retire or sign with another team, with less than a 50% chance of returning to Tampa Bay. While Evans’ future with the Buccaneers remains uncertain, the team is reportedly prepared to use the franchise tag, worth approximately $26 million, or offer him a 1-2 year re-signing deal worth around $18-20 million AAV. However, despite the financial uncertainty, the Buccaneers may find it hard to turn down the chance to strengthen their offense by bringing in one of the NFL’s top wide receivers. The bond between Evans and Coen has always been strong, with Coen consistently praising Evans for his professionalism and selflessness. During the 2024 season, Coen frequently commended Evans for his work ethic, noting that Evans was not only a top performer but also willing to make sacrifices for the team’s success. Coen called Evans a "yes-sir, no-sir receiver," referencing his willingness to block and run a diverse set of routes, all while contributing to a balanced offense. Coen also spoke about the strategic value of using Evans flexibly in the offense, moving him inside and outside and creating mismatches through motion and option routes. Coen compared his approach with Evans to the successful tactics he used with Cooper Kupp at the Rams. Coen referred to Evans as a “top player” and a “winning edge” due to his size, ability to track the ball, and sharp cuts. Evans, in turn, has expressed high regard for Coen, stating that he liked him and was impressed by Coen’s offensive philosophy. In interviews, Evans mentioned that he had even discussed his future with Coen before re-signing with the Buccaneers in 2024, showing that the two share a mutual respect and understanding. With the Jaguars looking to build on their successful 2025 season and continue their offensive growth, Coen believes that acquiring Evans would provide an immediate upgrade to their wide receiver corps. Evans’ experience, leadership, and unique skill set make him the ideal fit for Coen’s system, and if the trade goes through, it could be one of the most impactful moves of the 2026 offseason. While no official trade talks have been confirmed, the growing speculation surrounding Evans’ future and Coen’s desire to reunite with his former player suggests that a deal may be imminent. For the Jaguars, adding Evans to their roster would be a major step in their quest for an AFC title and, ultimately, a Super Bowl appearance.