Brock Purdy will have a new weapon to throw to in 2026 after Mike Evans shockingly left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 12 NFL seasons.
The all-time great Bucs wideout has been an intriguing name to watch leading up to the free agency period. However, it appears that his time in Tampa Bay is finally ending after becoming a legendary figure at Raymond James Stadium.
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NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shocked NFL fans Monday while stating that Mike Evans plans on signing with the San Francisco 49ers. The NFC West team gives Purdy a massive pass catcher for the upcoming 2026 season.
A splash in the Bay: The #49ers are signing future Hall of Fame WR Mike Evans, agents @derykgilmore @Day1SportsEnt and Darren Jones@MavenSports tell The Insiders.
Evans leaves the #Bucs for a 3-year deal after all, giving Brock Purdy a big-time weapon. pic.twitter.com/14pUHvxw60
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2026
Rapoport reveals that Evans is expected to join Kyle Shanahan’s team on a three-year contract. This move comes after the wideout spent over a decade in the NFC South.
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Mike Evans famously started out his Buccaneers career with 11 straight seasons 1,000 or more yards. Meanwhile In 2025, Evans suffered an injury that kept him out nearly half the season, finishing the year with 368 yards.
The Buccaneers won Super Bowl 54 with Evans, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski leading a strong passing attack. However, Evans carried over that success in recent years during the Baker Mayfield era at quarterback.
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Evans’ agent Deryk Gillmore released a statement Monday after the star wide receiver opted to move on from Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans reacts after catching a pass against Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
“After twelve remarkable seasons in Tampa Bay, Mike Evans felt a desire to challenge himself with a new chapter in the final stage of his career. Throughout his entire career he has pushed himself to grow, compete, and evolve as a player, and this decision reflects that same mindset.”
The 49ers’ move gives San Francisco a legitimate target for Purdy in the passing game alongside tight end George Kittle. Meanwhile, Christian McCaffrey continues to prove his dominance by leading the rushing attack.
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