Bucs GM Jason Licht.
For years, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht confessed openly there was an emotional bond between him and Mike Evans.
First was, Evans was Licht’s very first draft pick as a general manager. But the two basically grew up in the NFL together. Evans was a rookie as was Licht as a general manager.
The two went on to win a Super Bowl with the Bucs.
That seemingly unbreakable bond was broken last week when Evans decided to go to San Francisco, ending a 12-year relationship with the Bucs, even though Licht had offered Evans more money than he is set to make in San Francisco.
Joe asked Licht today during a sitdown Licht had with select local media, if he felt “betrayed” by Evans leaving since the two, at least until recently, were tight.
“No,” Licht said. “I don’t feel betrayed. I’m in mourning.
“But, I don’t feel betrayed. Mike gave us everything he had for his 12 seasons here and established himself as one of the best players in the league. One of the best players we ever had.”
Then, almost like Licht was trying to ease his “mourning” using psychology, rattled off a bunch of names of Hall of Fame players who chose to finish their NFL careers with different teams, including former Bucs quarterback Tom Brady.
“I don’t feel betrayed,” Licht said. “Sometimes, you have to talk it over with your family and sometimes you are just ready for another chapter.
“I don’t know if you asked the Patriots if they felt betrayed with Tom [Brady coming to Bucs]. Or the Colts with Peyton Manning, although that may be different
“It’s always tough. That one, is really tough.”
Despite Licht apparently having been surprised Evans didn’t want to play for the Bucs any longer, Licht still feels what Evans left behind, specifically the Bucs wide receivers, are a dangerous group capable of putting up bunches of points.
Looking at the Bucs’ defense, currently, that’s exactly what the Bucs will need to return to the playoffs. Without Evans.