So what does a Buccaneers legend who speaks openly about how important it was for him to finish his storied career in Tampa think about Mike Evans bailing on Tampa Bay in favor of the 49ers?

Rondé Barber chimed in on that subject during his visit to the Jay Recher Podcast this week.

“I hate to see it. Because I wanted him to be one of those guys [with the Bucs his entire career],” Barber said

“My kind of take is, as long as Mike’s happy, I’m happy for him. Right? Mike made this decision. I know the Bucs would have loved to have him back and it’s not a money thing. It’s a ‘I want to try new opportunites’ type thing.

“…Mike definitely has a lot left in the tank, man. Like I think, we went from the beginning of the year — and I know this because I talked to Mike briefly — him thinking about retiring to him then getting hurt, realizing his love for the game is still there, he still has a lot to give and he’s not ready to walk away from the game. And that he’s not walking away but going to another place, it sucks for us as Bucs fans. But for Mike, it’s probably a good thing.

“… Let him live out his dream. If his dream is not here anymore, that’s fine. There’s never going to be a better offensive player in Bucs history than Mike Evans. I’m confident, in 50 years, people will look back and say Mike Evans is still the best offensive player in Bucs history. So, we’ll always have that. I wish him the best. And I don’t hate that he’s going to John Lynch’s team. Because I root for John; I just can’t help myself (laughs). And they need help at wide receiver, so they got it.

“And I think one more important thing, and I think even will even say this, he’s leaving our wide receiver room in good shape.”

Barber went on to name the key Bucs receivers and say, “They can probably get by without him. Baker might not say that, but I think the team is in pretty good shape [at receiver].”

Interesting hearing Barber say Evans’ fire to play was re-kindled after his injury in Detroit on Oct. 20. Two weeks later, the Bucs were enjoying their bye week with a 6-2 record following wins over the Seahawks and 49ers.

That might have been another good time for the Bucs to remind Evans they believe in him and to offer him a one-year contract extension.

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