“Saying goodbye to a legend like Mike Evans is never easy, but today we are filled with gratitude and appreciation for everything he did during his incredible 12-year career as a Pirate,” the Bucs said in a statement. “When the time comes, we look forward to coming together again to honor his many accomplishments and celebrate the end of his Hall of Fame career.”
While a concussion and sternum injury cost Evans nine games in 2025, limiting him to 30 catches, 368 yards and three TDs, he remains a problem on defense and one of the few true X receivers in the NFL. That veteran may not be as quick-footed as his younger days, but at 6-foot-5 with ageless body control, he can still work on the perimeter and highlight reel over smaller defenders. He should also eat in a Kyle Shanahan scheme on deep digs.
The Niners had a gaping hole at receiver with Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore headed for free agency — along with drafting Brandon Aiyuk. Adding Evans gives San Francisco a big body to pair with talented but injured Ricky Pearsall and punter Demarcus Robinson.
Evans’ departure from Tampa felt imminent as soon as his agent let it be known that he was testing the market. The Bucs had spent the past few years planning the wideout’s departure, and while I’m sure the front office thought it would come through retirement rather than free agency, a team with other needs couldn’t match the price tag.
Tampa will plow forward with Chris Godwin Jr., a year removed from injury, Emeka Egbuka, who could be in line for an explosive 2 after running out of gas down the stretch, and deep threat Jalen McMillan. Throw in the likes of Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson and get valuable reps in 2025, and the Bucs are on solid footing.
While it’s tough on an emotional level for Tampa to watch Evans walk away, it might have allowed them to keep tight end Cade Otton, a priority in need, and add Kenneth Gainwell.