SHOCKING: End of an Era? Following the Buccaneers’ Draft Shake-Up, The Falcons Could Soon Be Free of Mike Evans’ NFC South Dominance.

The Atlanta Falcons may soon find relief from one of the NFC South’s longest-standing rivals. Mike Evans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ wide receiver who has been a constant thorn in Atlanta’s side since 2014, may be reaching the end of his reign of terror, at least in games against the Falcons.

What’s the reason? Tampa Bay made a recent investment in a future heir.

The Buccaneers selected star LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, raising eyebrows and sparking debate about Evans’ long-term future in Tampa. While Evans re-signed with the Bucs this summer on a two-year deal, the pick of Thomas — a big-bodied, vertical threat with outstanding speed—suggests the franchise is planning for a future beyond their five-time Pro Bowler.

Evans, now 31, has been one of the most productive and consistent receivers in NFL history. He’s logged 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and has often saved his best performances for divisional games, especially against Atlanta. In 19 career games versus the Falcons, Evans has totaled over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns, regularly burning the secondary with his size, catch radius, and red zone dominance. For the Falcons, the sight of Evans torching their defense twice a year has become a bitter tradition. And while they’ve made strides to rebuild under head coach Raheem Morris — adding quarterback Kirk Cousins and drafting wideout Rome Odunze — the Mike Evans problem has remained stubbornly persistent.

Thomas Jr., while raw in comparison to Evans’ polished route-running and experience, adds youth, explosiveness, and cost control, all of which the Bucs will value as they look to extend their window of contention with quarterback Baker Mayfield. If Thomas develops rapidly, Tampa Bay may feel comfortable moving on from Evans before the end of his contract, or at least significantly reducing his target share.

That’s great news for Falcons supporters, who have been frustrated for over a decade watching Evans smash their defensive backs.

It remains to be seen whether Mike Evans’ performance in Tampa is the beginning of the end. However, Atlanta’s selection of Brian Thomas Jr. may represent a long-awaited break from one of the NFC South’s most recurrent nightmares.