“Saying goodbye to a legend such as Mike Evans is never easy, but today we are filled with appreciation and gratitude for all that he did during his extraordinary 12-year career as a Buccaneer,” the Bucs said in a statement. “When the time comes, we look forward to gathering once again to honor his many accomplishments and celebrate his eventual Hall of Fame career.”
While a concussion and collarbone injury cost Evans nine games in 2025, and relegated him to a career-low 30 catches, 368 yards, and three TDs, he is still a matchup problem for defenses and one of the few true X receivers in the NFL. The veteran might not be as fleet-footed as his younger days, but at 6-foot-5 with ageless body control, he can still win on the boundary and high-point over smaller defenders. He should also eat in Kyle Shanahan’s system on deep digs.
The Niners had a gaping hole at receiver with Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore headed to free agency — along with Brandon Aiyuk‘s dragging situation. Adding Evans gives San Francisco a big body to pair with talented but injured Ricky Pearsall and slot Demarcus Robinson.
Evans departure from Tampa felt imminent the moment his agent let it be known he was testing the market. The Bucs had spent the past several years planning for the wideout’s exit, and while I’m sure the front office thought it would come via retirement rather than free agency, a team with other needs couldn’t match the price tag.
Tampa will plow forward with Chris Godwin Jr. one year further removed from injury, Emeka Egbuka, who could be in line for an explosive Year 2 after running out of gas down the stretch, and deep threat Jalen McMillan. Toss in the likes of Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson getting valuable reps in 2025, and the Bucs are on solid footing.
While watching Evans walk away is difficult on an emotional level in Tampa, moving on might have allowed them to retain tight end Cade Otton, a priority at a position of need, and add running back Kenneth Gainwell.