Bombshell New Report Suggests That Mike Evans Wanted Out Of Tampa Bay ASAP Before Signing With 49ers
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Money wasn’t an issue in Mike Evans’ decision to leave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to new comments made by GM Jason Licht.
In one of the biggest surprises of 2026 free agency, the Buccaneers lost their superstar wide receiver. Mike Evans bolted to join the San Francisco 49ers on a lucrative three-year contract worth $42.4 million.
With Evans about to enter his age-33 season, one could assume that he simply chased the money after getting plenty of term from the 49ers.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, however, Licht stated that the Bucs offered Evans more than the 49ers. If that’s the case, then it obviously means Evans had little desire to stick around in Tampa, via ESPN’s Jenna Laine:
“He means everything to me, but he means everything to the entire organization. Obviously best offensive player we’ve ever had and even better person than he is player. So it’s always tough. That one’s really tough…In my conversations with him, you know, we got emotional.
“We made a significantly higher offer (than the 49ers) and that was just the first offer.”
Many Buccaneers fans were unhappy when the team decided to retain head coach Todd Bowles after a disappointing 8-9 season. Per Laine, Licht opines that keeping Bowles wasn’t a factor in Evans’ decision to leave.
The 49ers made another big splash at wideout after landing Evans, signing former 1,000-yard receiver Christian Kirk to a one-year deal.
Mike Evans Is The Perfect Fit In 49ers’ Offense
The 49ers survived an onslaught of injuries to reach the postseason. They even went on to upset the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round. But with Brandon Aiyuk missing the entire season, there was a gaping hole at wide receiver.
With Aiyuk on his way out, Evans figures to immediately slot in as San Francisco’s new No. 1 receiver. Playing in a Kyle Shanahan-coached and star-studded offense, Evans is in a good spot to return to his Pro Bowl form.
Evans is one of the game’s elite deep threats and contested catch specialists. With opposing teams having to focus aplenty on Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy? Evans should be an excellent fit in San Francisco.
