Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
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FL free agency does not officially open until March 10, but the San Francisco 49ers are already making major splashes. Going into the offseason with a lot of needs, the 49ers addressed a major need early on– signing future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year deal, giving the team a bonafide No. 1 receiver. Evans, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend, joined the 49ers after a career in Tampa Bay that saw him win a Super Bowl, earn six Pro Bowl trips, and record 11 straight seasons of 1,000 yards, among other achievements. Leaving the Buccaneers this offseason was not easy, but after signing with the 49ers, Evans’ agent revealed why the star left his longtime home for something new.
Evans left Tampa Bay as easily the franchise’s most successful player, becoming a staple for their offense since he was drafted seventh overall in 2014. But enduring a couple of injury plagued seasons, as well as entering the latter part of his career, Evans wants a new challenge and go somewhere where he really has to push himself to succeed.
Evans’ Agent Releases Statement
After the 2025 season concluded, questions arose about Evans’ future with the team. And while the Bucs wanted to bring Evans back, even reportedly offering him a new contract, he announced that he planned on leaving the team to test his value on the open market. The 49ers needed another receiver given the uncertain future of Jauan Jennings and the impending release of Brandon Aiyuk, which opened the door for Evans to land one more big contract before he retires. His agent, Deryk Gilmore, released a statement explaining why the future Hall of Famer opted to leave Tampa Bay and head to the Bay Area.
“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,” Gilmore said. “Throughout his entire career he has pushed himself to grow, compete, and evolve as a player, and this decision reflects that same mindset. Mike has tremendous love and respect for the Buccaneers organization, the Glazer family, the coaches, his teammates, and especially the fans in Tampa Bay who have supported him since the day he was drafted. Tampa will always be home to him, and he is deeply proud of everything they accomplished together.”
Gilmore then added that Evans’ departure was not about money, it was solely about a desire for something different.
“Mike Evans’ decision to leave Tampa was never about money,” Gilmore added. “The Buccaneers were extremely aggressive in their pursuit and presented a very strong offer, demonstrating how much they value him and everything he has meant to the franchise.”
What Evans Brings to the 49ers
In joining the 49ers, the franchise gets arguably their best No. 1 receiver since Terrell Owens, providing them with another established veteran to catch passes from quarterback, Brock Purdy. Injuries have been an issue for Evans over the last couple of seasons, missing three games in 2024 before playing in only eight out of the Bucs’ 17 games in ’25. But if Evans can stay healthy, expect him to have a heavy workload and play a major role in San Francisco’s offense.