Mike Evans has stepped away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 2026 NFL season. After news broke of the star wide receiver joining the San Francisco 49ers, he made something clear about the reason behind his decision.
“Mike Evans’ decision to leave Tampa was never about money,” a statement from Evans’ agent Deryk Gilmore read. “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 statement painted a clear picture on the motivations behind Evans’ career-altering decision to leave the Buccaneers. Many believed Evans would be a one-club team in his NFL journey, but that will no longer be the case. Instead, he is now headed to San Fran, where he vies to chase another Super Bowl ring with the 49ers.
The 49ers’ updated wide receiver depth chart is one that excites fans in “The Bay”, as Brock Purdy will welcome in yet another reliable target. For San Francisco, the sky has felt like the limit for a while. However, it always comes down to whether the Niners can stay healthy, and that remains a pending task for Kyle Shanahan’s side.
Evans gets fresh start
Following a disappointing 2025 NFL season, Mike Evans is embracing the winds of change and a new chapter in San Francisco with the San Francisco 49ers. Evans missed nine games last campaign and watched his streak of 1,000 receiving yards per season come to an end in disheartening fashion.
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In 2025, Mike Evans registered career lows in targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns, with 61, 30, 368, and 3, respectively. While hindered by injuries, even if he had played all 17 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Evans’ numbers were projected to be the lowest of his career.
Needless to say, the 49ers believe last season was a fluke and Evans can re-connect with his best football as he joins the organization in San Fran.
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