Jason Licht Doesn’t Feel “Betrayed” By Mike Evans
March 18th, 2026
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
For years, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht confessed openly there was an emotional bond between him and Mike Evans.
Evans was Licht’s very first draft pick as a general manager in 2014. But the two basically grew up in the NFL together. Evans was a rookie as was Licht as a general manager.
The two went on to win a Super Bowl.
That seemingly unbreakable bond was broken last week when Evans decided to go to San Francisco, ending a 12-year relationship with the Bucs, even though Licht offered Evans more money than he is set to make in San Francisco.
Joe asked Licht today during a sitdown Licht had with select local media, if he felt “betrayed” by Evans leaving.
“No,” Licht said. “I don’t feel betrayed. I’m in mourning.
“But, I don’t feel betrayed. Mike gave us everything he had for his 12 seasons here and established himself as one of the best players in the league. One of the best players we ever had.”
Then, almost like Licht was trying to ease his “mourning” using psychology, rattled off a bunch of names of Hall of Fame players who chose to finish their NFL careers with different teams, including Tom Brady.
“I don’t feel betrayed,” Licht said. “Sometimes, you have to talk it over with your family and sometimes you are just ready for another chapter.
“I don’t know if you asked the Patriots if they felt betrayed with Tom [Brady coming to Bucs]. Or the Colts with Peyton Manning, although that may be different
“It’s always tough. That one, is really tough.”
Despite Licht apparently having been surprised Evans didn’t want to play for the Bucs any longer, Licht still feels the wide receivers Evans left behind are a dangerous group capable of putting up bunches of points.
Looking at the Bucs’ defense currently, that’s exactly what the Bucs will need to return to the playoffs. Without Evans.
March 18th, 2026 at 4:35 pm
It’s not a betrayal. It’s a rejection.
Let it be. Let it be.
March 18th, 2026 at 4:40 pm
licht built the team that enticed brady but also built the team that drove out mike. he should probably be feeling responsible. can licht still build a team
March 18th, 2026 at 4:47 pm
He’s gone,, can we please move on?
March 18th, 2026 at 4:47 pm
How much dead cap money are the Bucs still dealing with?
March 18th, 2026 at 4:49 pm
Maybe when the regular season starts. (Joe doesn’t like ignoring major stories, especially when the general manager spoke about it maybe three hours prior). Even then, Evans’ shadow will be long hovering over this team.
March 18th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
Joe, then tell us WHY he left, not about Licht’s feelings. Why was he willing to take less money. Go on record with your WHY.
March 18th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
: Daryl Hall & John Oates,
He’s gone, He’s gone
Oh I, oh I
I better learn how to face it
He’s gone, He’s gone
Oh I, oh I
I’d pay the devil to replace him
He’s gone, and He’s gone
Oh why, what went wrong?
March 18th, 2026 at 4:53 pm
Mike Evans had to have a better reason for losing to leave
He resigned with this team when they were notorious bottom feeders
Can’t no one tell me Mike will uproot or move his family
Just to chase something he already have (Super Bowl Ring)
And take less money to do it
Nah, nah he’s chasing something, but it’s bigger than a ring
He left because he has a better opportunity to pad his stats
No one can tell me anything different
He didn’t betray Licht or the Bucs
He want to cement his legacy
A 1st ballot Hall of Famers
Simple as that
March 18th, 2026 at 4:54 pm
Both Brady and Manning were droped by their teams, so they simply moved on. Evans chose to leave the Bucs. a different scenario.
March 18th, 2026 at 5:23 pm
Let it go. Mike doesn’t owe us a reason. He was a pros pro, no diva and never in trouble with the law. Some people want him to say why but he’s not burning bridges. He’s not Rashad White. Hope Mike plays well for SF and stays healthy.
It was time to move on from him and him from the Bucs. It’s win win and no cap problem in 2027. Go sign Rashad Jennings and move on.
March 18th, 2026 at 5:53 pm
Joe, why do YOU think he left? We want your opinion. You’re anonymous for goodness sake. Why do YOU think he left? We’d rather hear your opinion than the front office is spin. You clearly read these things, why aren’t you dodging this question?
March 18th, 2026 at 6:36 pm
Mike has been pulling the offense wagon around Tampa for years. He got tired of it and wants to ride the wagon while others try to pull it around.