The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2026 NFL offseason with every intention of finding a way to work out a new deal with longtime star wide receiver Mike Evans.
Evans, who played his first 12 seasons with the Buccaneers, decided to leave town. He ultimately chose to sign a three-year deal worth $60.4 million with the San Francisco 49ers.
Losing Evans was a sad day for Tampa Bay. He had been the long-term face of the franchise and was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL for years. The idea of him playing for another team before retirement sounded strange.
Despite the Buccaneers’ efforts to keep him in town, Evans chose to explore a new challenge.
With that being said, an NFL insider has now reported more details about the split between Evans and Tampa Bay. The departure was not as smooth as it seemed on the surface.
Buccaneers, Mike Evans Went Through “Weird” Split
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer has reported that things got a little “weird” between the two parties.
“I don’t think the Bucs intended to lose Mike Evans, but you know, I’d certainly say things got a little weird between Evans and the team,” Breer said. “Not that there’s any love lost there — I think that he’s obviously a Ring of Honor guy there, and I think everything they’ve said publicly about Evans is true. It just seemed like it got a little weird and awkward over the weekend.”
At the end of the day, contract negotiations can get tense. That seems to be what happened between the Buccaneers and Evans in this situation.
Breer also reported that Tampa Bay was wondering at one point whether or not Evans even wanted to entertain the idea of returning to the team.
“People in his camp had told people that they have a one-year, $27 million offer on the table. I know there were some teams that didn’t believe that to be the truth. But I think it was sort of indicative of what the Bucs were hearing, which is like, ‘Alright, do you wanna come back here or not?'” Breer said.
Mike Evans Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Tampa Bay
Regardless of how things ended between Evans and the team, he won’t be forgotten by the fans anytime soon.
Evans finished his time with the Buccaneers after playing in 176 games across 12 seasons. He racked up 866 receptions for 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns. There are few wide receivers who make that kind of impact on their respective teams.
Many fans will root for Evans to find success with the 49ers. As long as he isn’t playing against Tampa Bay, the fan base will wish the best for him.
That being said, it will be very “weird” to see Evans playing in a jersey other than that of the Buccaneers. Barring a meeting in the playoffs, Tampa Bay isn’t scheduled to play against San Francisco during the regular season.
Buccaneers’ Split With Mike Evans Took ‘Weird’ Turn