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Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers said goodbye to offensive fan favorite Mike Evans on Monday. 

The Associated Press confirmed that Evans is heading to the San Francisco 49ers after a 12-year career with the Bucs. AP sources also confirmed the 32-year-old wide receiver agreed to a three-year contract with the 49ers at the start of the free agent negotiating period. 

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Mike Evans’ history with the Bucs

Evans is coming off an injury-filled 2025 season when he only played eight games and failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his 12-year career with Tampa Bay. 

The backstory:

Evans became the first player in NFL history to have at least 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first 11 seasons when he hit the mark in the 2024 season finale.

Evans has been a Pro Bowler six times and was twice a second-team All-Pro. He has 866 career catches for 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns. Evans ranks 10th all time in TD catches and his 11 seasons with at least 1,000 yards receiving are second most ever to Jerry Rice’s 14.

Buccaneers react

What they’re saying:

After reports of the wide receiver leaving, the Bucs said in a statement on social media that it was their goal for Evans to play his entire career with the team in Tampa, saying “it became clear he was looking for a new challenge.”

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“He leaves as the most accomplished offensive player in franchise history — a six-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion — but it was his dedication to making a difference off the field that will define his lasting legacy in our community,” the Glazer family said in that statement.

Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht released the following statement: 

“My first draft pick as general manager in 2014 was a 20-year-old Mike Evans. From the moment he walked in the door, Mike made an immediate and lasting impact on our franchise.

Over the years, we watched him grow, thrive and develop into a franchise icon whose legacy will carry on well past his playing days. He has always personally, so it’s difficult to see him go elsewhere.

I wish Mike, Ashli and their family the best as they move on.”

Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles also released a statement: 

“Mike Evans was a true competitor who always found a way to rise to the occasion for us. It’s hard to see him leave, but I respect his decision. 

More than anything, I want to thank him for all the work he poured into making himself an elite player and the leadership he displayed during his outstanding 12-year run here. He provided all of us with special moments on and off the field that we won’t soon forget. 

I wish him well as he continues his Hall of Fame career.”

Bucs fans react

What they’re saying:

Curtis Marschall was wearing a Mike Evans jersey outside Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Monday night after news first broke of the fan favorite leaving the Bucs.

“Never really expected this ever, because I always thought he’d be a Buc for life,” he said. “It’s extremely disappointing.”

Marschall — who hasn’t missed a Bucs home game since 2005 — wishes the team could have worked out a deal to keep Evans.

“Unfortunate that it couldn’t get done,” he said. “I feel like there might have been other ways we could have signed him.”

Local perspective:

Inside the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Store, fans were shopping for gear before heading to the New York Yankees spring training game across the street at Steinbrenner Field. Among them were Alan and Anne-Marie McMillan from Wichita Falls, Texas.

“This was very surprising to me,” Alan said. “I really thought he would finish here with Baker, they had great chemistry.”

Joe Mirra said seeing Evans’ image displayed around the stadium makes the moment feel surreal.

“Walking up to the team shop seeing this big poster in here,” he said. “He’s a Buc at heart, but it’s going to be tough.”

Mirra believes that most Bucs fans will continue cheering for Evans on his new team.

“It’s crushing, as he’s got a lot of roots here and a lot of loyal fans,” he concluded. “I’m still going to root for him, no matter what.”

The Source: The information in this story comes from statements made by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ owners, general manager and head coach. The Associated Press also contributed to this report.

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