Legend of the Texas A&M Aggies Myles Garrett is being recruited by Mike Evans for the Buccaneers.

As the NFL offseason progresses, and teams begin looking ahead to the 2025 season, there is a lot of buzz surrounding potential player acquisitions and roster changes. One of the more intriguing storylines emerging from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers involves the potential recruitment of a superstar defensive talent—none other than Myles Garrett, the former Texas A&M Aggies legend who has since become a dominant force on the defensive line for the Cleveland Browns.
What makes this particular storyline even more interesting is the involvement of Mike Evans, the perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Buccaneers, who has reportedly taken it upon himself to recruit Garrett to come play for Tampa Bay. Evans, who has seen the immense talent Garrett possesses firsthand, has become an advocate for the idea of pairing the ferocious pass rusher with the Buccaneers’ defensive unit. With the Buccaneers in a transitional phase as they look to rebuild and re-establish themselves as Super Bowl contenders, Evans’ push to bring Garrett to Tampa Bay could represent a significant shift for the franchise.
This move could change the course of the Buccaneers’ future, but it also highlights Garrett’s legacy, which was established during his time at Texas A&M and has only grown since his entry into the NFL. The recruitment process has now evolved into a fascinating intersection of past and present, with Evans—a fellow Aggie—leveraging their shared collegiate ties to try and bring Garrett to his team.
The Legend of Myles Garrett at Texas A&M
Before we dive deeper into this potential NFL connection, it is important to acknowledge Garrett’s immense contributions to Texas A&M Aggies football. During his time in College Station, Garrett cemented his place as one of the greatest players in the program’s history, and his legacy is still talked about to this day.
Garrett’s time at Texas A&M was nothing short of remarkable. As a freshman, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, recording 11.5 sacks—a freshman record for the Aggies. His dominance on the field was undeniable, and he quickly became one of the most hyped prospects in college football. His raw athleticism, size, and ability to pressure quarterbacks with ease made him a standout player, and he was often compared to some of the most elite pass rushers in the game.
Garrett’s time in College Station was marked by a series of dominant performances, particularly in his final season. As a junior in 2016, he finished with 15 sacks and was named a unanimous All-American. Garrett’s performances earned him accolades, and by the time he declared for the 2017 NFL Draft, he was regarded as the best defensive prospect available, with many analysts expecting him to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Beyond his statistics and on-field play, Garrett was also known for his leadership and professionalism. He was a leader in the locker room, motivating his teammates and elevating the entire defense with his passion and work ethic. This combination of talent and character helped Garrett earn respect not just from his teammates, but also from opposing players and coaches, establishing him as a future star.
The Transition to the NFL
When Myles Garrett was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, it was clear that the franchise was getting a player who could potentially transform their defense. Garrett’s transition to the NFL was seamless. From his very first season, he proved that he was the dominant pass rusher everyone had expected him to be, earning rookie of the year honors and establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense.
Garrett’s stats were impressive from the start, and they only continued to improve as the years went on. He became a perennial Pro Bowler and an All-Pro defensive lineman, known for his ability to disrupt offenses and apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks. As of now, Garrett has amassed over 60 career sacks, consistently ranking among the league’s top pass rushers, and he has been one of the most feared players in the NFL.
What sets Garrett apart from other pass rushers is his combination of size, speed, and technical skills. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 272 pounds, Garrett has the physical tools to overpower offensive linemen, but he also has the agility and finesse to evade blockers and close in on quarterbacks with lightning speed. His versatility allows him to play both as an edge rusher and in the interior of the defensive line, making him a dynamic weapon for any defense.
Throughout his time in Cleveland, Garrett has become the face of the franchise’s defense. His ability to change the outcome of a game with a single play has made him one of the most respected players in the NFL. His status as one of the league’s elite pass rushers is unquestioned, and it is no surprise that teams around the league have taken notice of his ability to elevate a defense.
Mike Evans’ Recruitment of Garrett
Enter Mike Evans, one of the most accomplished wide receivers in NFL history, who shares a special connection to Garrett through their shared history at Texas A&M. Evans, a 6’5” wide receiver with incredible athleticism, has been one of the most consistent and dominant receivers in the NFL since he was drafted by the Buccaneers in 2014. He has helped establish the team as a consistent playoff contender and played an integral role in the team’s Super Bowl LV victory.
Evans has long been an advocate for bringing in players who can make a significant impact on the Buccaneers’ roster, and his friendship and history with Garrett have now made him a vocal supporter of the idea of bringing the pass rusher to Tampa Bay. Given the mutual respect the two share for each other and their shared collegiate experience, Evans has reportedly been working behind the scenes to recruit Garrett to join him in Tampa Bay.
What makes Evans’ recruitment of Garrett particularly interesting is the fact that the Buccaneers are currently in a phase of roster reconstruction. After Tom Brady’s departure, the team has faced challenges in determining its future direction, but one thing is certain: the Buccaneers are focused on returning to contention, and adding a player like Garrett could be a game-changer.
The Buccaneers are expected to enter a new era with a revamped offensive line and quarterback situation, but their defense remains one of the team’s strongest assets. With an aging pass rush and the need for a consistent force on the edge, Garrett could be the perfect addition to take the Buccaneers defense to the next level.
Evans, who is undoubtedly aware of Garrett’s immense talents, understands that adding Garrett to the defense would be a massive upgrade. Not only would Garrett bring his dominant pass-rushing abilities, but he would also help set the tone for the defense as a leader, much like he did during his time at Texas A&M. In many ways, Garrett’s presence would allow Evans and the rest of the offense to focus on their side of the ball while knowing that the defense will have a reliable force in Garrett to help pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt offenses.
Evans has reportedly already started reaching out to Garrett, discussing the opportunity to team up in Tampa Bay and reminding Garrett of the successful seasons they both experienced while at Texas A&M. Evans believes that if Garrett wants to play for a championship-caliber team, joining the Buccaneers would be a great move.
Why Tampa Bay Makes Sense for Garrett
For Garrett, the idea of joining the Buccaneers holds a lot of appeal. Tampa Bay’s defense is consistently ranked among the league’s best, and their potential to compete for another Super Bowl is high with a few key additions. Garrett could be the missing piece that propels the Buccaneers back into playoff contention and makes them a formidable force in the NFC.
From a personal standpoint, the idea of joining Evans, a former college teammate, could also appeal to Garrett on a deeper level. The chemistry that Garrett and Evans shared at Texas A&M is something that could be translated into the NFL. With Garrett’s relentless drive and Evans’ leadership on offense, the two could form one of the most dynamic duos in the league.