Mike Evans is leaving Tampa Bay after playing all 12 years of his career with the Buccaneers.
Evans is reportedly signing a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, according to multiple reports Monday.
“Saying goodbye to a legend such as Mike Evans is never easy, but today we are filled with appreciation and gratitude for all that he did during his extraordinary 12-year career as a Buccaneer,” said the Glazer family, owners of the team, in a statement. “Our goal was always to ensure that Mike would play his entire career as a Buccaneer, but as we got further in the process it became clear he was looking for a new challenge.”
The Buccaneers and Evans’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, cited the 32-year-old’s desire for a “new challenge” as the main motivating factor in the move, which cannot become official until Wednesday, the first day of the 2026 league year.
“The Buccaneers made it clear they would have loved for Mike to finish his career in Tampa and potentially become just the fourth player in franchise history to spend his entire career as a Buccaneer and ultimately walk into Canton representing the organization,” Gilmore said in a statement to ESPN.
“Mike Evans’ decision to leave Tampa was never about money. 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. In the end, this decision simply came down to Mike wanting a new challenge and a fresh opportunity while he still feels he has a great deal left to give the game.”
The Buccaneers selected Evans seventh overall in the 2014 draft. He was a key piece in the Tom Brady-led squad that won the Super Bowl after 2020 season.
“Tampa Bay will always be a special place for Mike Evans, and his respect and gratitude for the organization and its fans will never change,” Gilmore’s statement said.
Evans topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons to set an NFL record before finishing with just 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns in eight games last year. He missed three games due to a hamstring injury and six because of a broken collarbone, though he was back for the season’s final month.
The Texas A&M product just completed a two-year contract that featured an average annual salary of $20.5 million.
“My first draft pick as general manager in 2014 was a 20-year-old Mike Evans,” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said. “From the moment he walked in the door, Mike made an immediate and lasting impact on our franchise. Over the years, we watched him grow, thrive and develop into a franchise icon whose legacy will carry on well past his playing days. He has always meant a great deal to me professionally and personally, so it’s difficult to see him go elsewhere.”
In 176 career games (175 starts), Evans has compiled 866 receptions for 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns. He is Tampa Bay’s all-time leader in all three of those categories as well as scoring (662 points).
“He leaves as the most accomplished offensive player in franchise history — a six-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion — but it was his dedication to making a difference off the field that will define his lasting legacy in our community,” the Glazer family said.
Head coach Todd Bowles was around for Evans’ last four seasons with the franchise.
“Mike Evans was a true competitor who always found a way to rise to the occasion for us. It’s hard to see him leave, but I respect his decision,” Bowles said. “More than anything, I want to thank him for all the work he poured into making himself an elite player and the leadership he displayed during his outstanding 12-year run here. He provided all of us with special moments on and off the field that we won’t soon forget. I wish him well as he continues his Hall of Fame career.”
–Field Level Media
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