The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew heading into the NFL offseason that there was a chance superstar wide receiver Mike Evans could leave town.
Despite that knowledge, the Buccaneers did everything they could to bring him back. Unfortunately, those efforts did not bring the wanted results. Evans chose to sign with the San Francisco 49ers on a three-year contract worth just over $60 million.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the news that Evans would not be returning to Tampa Bay in 2026.
“ESPN sources: former Buccaneers six-time Pro-Bowl WR Mike Evans is expected to sign a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers,” Schefter wrote on X.
Seeing Evans sign elsewhere is truly the end of an era for the Buccaneers. They will have a very difficult time replacing him as they look to remain a contender in the NFC next season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fans Emotional After Team Posts Mike Evans Message
Following the news of Evans’ decision to leave Tampa Bay, the team took to social media to thank him for his time with the franchise.
“The most prolific offensive career in Buccaneers history. A Tampa Bay legend,” the post read. “Thank you, 13.”
Thank you, 13.
Fans quickly flooded to the comments section to say their goodbyes.
One fan wrote, “love M1K3 we failed you man. You’ll never be replaced.”
“It feels wrong to see anyone else in #13, but Mike has earned the right to chase one more ring on his own terms,” another comment read.
A third comment said, “Thank you for a legendary career on and off the field M1K3!”
“Heartbroken. He should have been a Buc for his entire career. I don’t even know what is going on with the Bucs organization anymore,” a fourth fan chimed in.
A fifth comment read, “You keep Bowles and Otton and lose Evans. Absolute embarrassment of a team.”
Looking Back at Mike Evans’ Legendary Tenure With the Buccaneers
Evans spent 12 years with the Buccaneers. He recorded at least 1,000 yards in all but one of those seasons, which happened to be the 2025 campaign due to injury.
During that tenure, Evans also broke the NFL record by having 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career.
Now that the decision has been officially made, Evans ends his Tampa Bay career with 866 receptions for 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns. Few wide receivers have ever made such an impact on a franchise.
Fans will continue feeling the pain of losing Evans for days and weeks. However, when Week 1 rolls around and No. 13 isn’t on the field, the Buccaneers will feel the pain all over again.
Despite the franchise suffering such a big loss, almost every Tampa Bay fan will be wishing Evans the best as he joins the 49ers and pursues a ring. That is unless he’s playing against the Buccaneers.
Buccaneers Fans Heartbroken Over Team’s Mike Evans Message