Mike Evans’ Exit A “Brutal Look” For Bucs Organization
March 16th, 2026
Damning.
It would be one thing for Jamel Dean to say he left the Bucs because he felt his last chance to win another ring is getting away from the team where he won his first ring.
But for Mike Evans, the greatest offensive player the Bucs have ever drafted, to tell the world when joining his new team that he took a paycut and agreed to grotesque state taxes in order to have a chance at another Super Bowl, well, unless the Bucs can prove otherwise, Capt. Fear is going to be walking around with a black eye and a big, long brown skid mark on his backside.
Ben Solak, typing for BSPN, said this Evans-leaving-the-Bucs scenario is sad all around. Sad for NFL fans in general, sad for Bucs fans. But more:
Solak wrote if Evans really believed San Francisco was a better than the Bucs, then it’s damning for the Bucs organization, damning for Bucs coach Todd Bowles and damning for a guy Evans was supposedly tight with, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The fact that his contract with the 49ers is so team friendly is a clear sign that he wanted out of Tampa Bay. Why exactly he wanted out of Tampa Bay — and why exactly he chose his new team — is the subject of much speculation. It’d be a brutal look for the Buccaneers if his motivation was to join a true contender, and he elected to go to the toughest division in the league instead of staying in the weakest. It’d be a brutal look for Baker Mayfield if he wanted a quarterback upgrade and went to Brock Purdy. And it’d be a brutal look for Todd Bowles if he was simply exhausted with the current messaging.
It’s likely a combination of all three. I admire how well the Buccaneers did him on the way out, lauding him with organization statements of gratitude even as he evidently chose another team over them. I, like all NFL fans (save for some Falcons and Saints and Panthers haters), will be sad to see Evans suit up for another team come September.
There is really not much more that Joe can add. The Bucs bragged at the combine that Bowles’ three division titles in his first three years as a Bucs coach demonstrated they are in the top tier of NFL teams.
Evans’ actions and words totally blew up that narrative. What Joe would like to know is where Evans thought the Bucs were lacking.
Remember, the Bucs slapped around the 49ers last year, without Evans. Did Evans grow that disgruntled at Bowles? Did he lose trust with how Mayfield played in the second half of the season? Did the constant revolving door of offensive coordinators wear Evans down? Did Josh Grizzard leave Evans with a bad taste in his mouth so he wanted stability?
Or, was it as simple as third-and-28?
March 16th, 2026 at 7:04 am
THIRD AND 28
‘NUF SAID
March 16th, 2026 at 7:14 am
In all honesty he probably won’t make the playoffs with that team either. They do have better coaching than the Bucs that obvious. However they are the third best team in that division with Seattle and the Rams being better. If he went anywhere he should have went to the Rams. Same type of offense that we been running plus better coaching and a better QB in Stafford. Evans must of hated Bowles so much he took the only offer he had other than here and left.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:20 am
“What Joe would like to know is where Evans thought the Bucs were lacking.”
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We would all like to know how “I am a But for life” wanted out so badly that he gave another NFL franchise a team friendly deal to escape. Very friggin sad state the Bucs are in.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:23 am
Enough about Mike.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:26 am
I agree, he might have been the missing piece in LA, either team maybe. But the 49ers aren’t winning the SB. Neither are the Steelers.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:26 am
“…disgruntled at Bowles… trust in how Mayfield played… constant revolving door of OCs…Grizzard….”
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ME has played with a wide variety of poor QBs, so I don’t think its Mayfield
Change in coaching staff is life in the NFL, so don’t think so.
Grizzard? See change in coaching staff.
Bowles? Yeah, I think think 3rd and 28 did that trick…. for ALL of us
March 16th, 2026 at 7:28 am
Let’s see if he has as much success against the secondaries in that division. Not knocking him but the Bucs division isn’t known for being the strongest division.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:29 am
“But the 49ers aren’t winning the SB. ”
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With Kyle Shannahan, the 9ers always have a chance. I would bet against him. Also, I think ME really makes the 9ers offense very hard to defend.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:30 am
I kept saying that the team probably gave up on him during the season & yep they probably did.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:31 am
He wasn’t trying to hear Zac Robinson either.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:34 am
It’s ok to move on from a 33 year old wr in fact you should, wish him the best because Mike is just a good person no matter how you slice it.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:44 am
They essentially didn’t have him last season
March 16th, 2026 at 7:45 am
He gave up on his team when they needed him most. It was a selfish move, a slap in the face to his teammates, his adoring fans and the city of Tampa and beyond. The team that won a Super Bowl and that fed him the pass that put him over 1000 a couple years ago. He could have cemented his legacy forever here in Tampa by staying. I think he will live to regret this.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:49 am
He is NOW a big fish in a small pond
March 16th, 2026 at 7:49 am
Did anyone catch Mike presser in SanFran…he said he believes he is the missing piece for the team to win. He was all about himself and how good he is..so that is not the Mike who has been here in Tampa…so let him go. It was probably 50/50..his ego and Todd. Unfortunately week are still left with Todd, who IMO is the sole cause of how bad the bucs have been over last 2 years…I blame Brady for demanding BA be fired and I blame BA for pushing Todd. I BLAME THE GLAZERS FOR NOT CHOSING THE TEAM AND THEIR SUCCESS OVER POLITICS. Here’s hoping the defense improved with these FA pick ups…I believe the offense just got better with Mike and Rashad leaving…nobody feeling pressure to get them the ball. The offense can run free….imagine all those years trying to get Mike his 1000 for the record. Lets play ball
March 16th, 2026 at 7:50 am
If you had to put 1k of your money down on who would win the super bowl next year and you has to pick the 49rs or the Bucs who would it be. I would bet on the 49rs. The 49rs are a 10 to 11 win team the Bucs might be an 8 win team.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:53 am
Honestly, man, the BUCS simply changed after the bye. I don’t know what happened. Maybe Bakers apparent injury had something to do with it, but the defense quit trying too. What makes an entire team just quit like that? 3rd and 28 is a symptom, not a disease. There is a sickness in that locker room and Evans and Dean just wanted out.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:59 am
“”Honestly, man, the BUCS simply changed after the bye. I don’t know what happened. Maybe Bakers apparent injury had something to do with it, but the defense quit trying too. What makes an entire team just quit like that? 3rd and 28 is a symptom, not a disease. There is a sickness in that locker room and Evans and Dean just wanted out.””
Excellent observations Fred.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:00 am
“There is a sickness in that locker room and Evans and Dean just wanted out.”
The sickness is Todd Bowles. He lost the team (except, evidently, Lavonte). The Bucs are going nowhere with this buffoon running the show, and Mike knew it.
There will be a boat parade the day Todd is finally shown the door, albeit 3 years too late.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:01 am
Again, why would he stay in Tampa knowing this team isn’t going anywhere under Bowles? Bucs are toast and are 3rd or 4th in division next season.
#TeamDelusional
March 16th, 2026 at 8:01 am
28!!!!!!
March 16th, 2026 at 8:02 am
@GeorgeR, actually this team is headed one of two probable outcomes. The most likely is they return to being an about 500 team. As long as the Panthers don’t suddenly come alive they should be competitive in the NFCS. The other is that the collapse will continue and we will all be talking draft and new coaches over Thanksgiving dinner. No, we will not make the Super Bowl unless Santa Clause goes berserk and shoots down half our planes.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:15 am
did anyone mention 3rd and 28 yet? I’m sure they did, but is worth nothing this in every article until Bowels and Licht are gone
March 16th, 2026 at 8:18 am
He watched Brady leave NE… and see’s himself as an all-time great.
He is … but he ain’t on Brady’s level. *see Superbowl highlights.
This was inevitable.
Can’t blame him for choosing Shanahan over Bowles. Just business!
Time to move on. Go Bucs!
March 16th, 2026 at 8:19 am
“Bowles? Yeah, I think think 3rd and 28 did that trick…. for ALL of us”
Not the Glazers.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:22 am
It’s obviously a reflection of Bowles…..the revolving door of offensive coordinators isn’t what contending teams do. The drafting of Ebuka when we’ve got obvious needs on defense, overpaying McCollum and even Godwin….poor roster management, Bowles loyalty to his buddy even as special teams was horrendous, sticking with Bowles when we lose 8 of 9 games…..if I’m trying to contend and continue to build my career legacy, there’s nothing appealing about the Bucs.
Frankly Evans doesn’t know who the HC, OC or QB will be after this season….contending teams don’t have those huge question marks hanging over their season.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:23 am
What does it matter? The Bucs were a somewhat talented team (less talented now) with huge liabilities dragging them down. Those liabilities are defensive coordinator, head coach, medical and training staff, a steadily regressing GM that has become reduced to a deer in headlights, and very aloof ownership that appears to have little interest in winning. We are heading for a losing season and the only way we avoid another lost decade is that I am wrong about ownership or they sell the team.
Not sure you’d find too many fans to agree with you. –Joe
March 16th, 2026 at 8:28 am
Sometimes in life it’s just time for a change. Good luck Mike Evans!
March 16th, 2026 at 8:28 am
Mike will be fine, he did not say anything bad in the presser. He felt he needed a place to be a #1 receiver and he was not #1 in here. He knows Emeka, Godwin and J-mac exists and he wants was his numbers and the experience. He is doing what is best for everyone not for money. Let it go.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:28 am
Eh, calling it now. Mike will be hurt by week 5. Then, he’ll come back in week 7 or 8 and be hurt again by week 11, and be out until the playoffs, if the 9ers make it. Don’t really care about this story anymore. Stop living in the past, and try to move on and attempt to be a little more positive. I’m starting to feel like a Browns fan over here. Mike was awesome, but it don’t seem like he has it anymore. Go Bucs!!!
March 16th, 2026 at 8:33 am
No keeping Todd Bowles and firing all the other coaches is a bad look.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:34 am
The team needs to control the story a little better. Right now the lack of any general plan, or moves that would suggest a plan, is reflecting poorly. Everyone from fans to free agents are assuming everything is negative… and maybe it is.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:34 am
Love Mike. Every one in media saying this is a bad look will pivot 180 when Mike
Misses a lot of games due to injuries. He will not complete his 3 year contract. The media will say “how smart” JL was even though it wasn’t up to him. Let’s move on, finish the draft, add some more FA players and see how it goes. Remember it’s not beneficial financially to sign vets on the downside of their careers to big money. Almost always ends up a cap problem later
March 16th, 2026 at 8:35 am
He didn’t trust the defense. It’s that simple. Purdy is not greater than Baker. San Fran is just overall better. We have a more than capable offense.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:36 am
It had to end sometime. 12 years is a lot. I look forward to thinking about him again when he retires
March 16th, 2026 at 8:38 am
The talent level on the 49ers really isn’t all the much better than we have IMO except a few key pieces that are elite where we don’t…rb, bosa, warner. And several were hurt last year when they played us.
But that’s why they happen to be a better bet to get to the SB than us. They lose their qb for 6 weeks, no problem, best player for the year, no problem, second best player for the year, 12-5, divisional round.
They’ve played in how many nfc championships in the last 8 years? The team is beyond consistent and it has an innovative offensive HC. They win and produce every year no matter what.
So Mike is sitting there looking at that situation and then listening to Todd and Jason brag about winning the nfc south three straight years?
C’mon. Apples to apples anyone that’s not a koolaid drinker would have made the same call.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:39 am
Ho hum, another why did Mike leave article.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:43 am
11 100YD games the last 5 years. Jaxon had 9 last year alone. Mike is and has always been steady gets his 65-70yds a game and draws penalties and is great in the end zone but he has never been a dominate yards or receptions guy. I think the biggest part of the reason he lefts is Godwin, Jmac, Emeka and Johnson. If you followed Baseball the last 50 years he is the Eddie Murray of the NFL never a consistent top 5 guy but will end with top 10 stats .
March 16th, 2026 at 8:43 am
Joe … Did Evans grow that disgruntled at Bowles?’
You always seem to gravitate towards that speculation involving players’ disgruntlement with Bowles for some reason Joe. Mike Evans never even remotely indicated that was the case. Neither did Jamel Dean.
Both DID indicate that they felt the teams they signed with had a better chance to win the Super Bowl than the Bucs do. I agree with them based on their performance over the last 2 years especially.
The Bucs are moving on; praise the Lord. Last year’s team lacked enough talent and yes, it had some poor coaching. Fixes desperately needed to be made and we’re making them. I try to keep an open mind about how well we’re progressing, although like most others frustration creeps in every once in awhile.
I’m expecting that Zac Robinson will be a substantial upgrade over Grizz, and that Danny Smith will be a substantial upgrade over McGaughey. I don’t like that Todd Bowles remains dual-hatted as HC & DC, but I do think that some of the actions we’re taking to add ‘veterans with an attitude’ will help his defense perform considerably better. As always, time will tell.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:44 am
Disagree. Mike will be fine and all will be forgotten by mid-season. Bucs will be fine too. We are already a better team than we were at the end of last year, save Evans departure. But the WR room looks just fine. Defense was our biggest issue last year. We’ve improved significantly on the first two levels and or will have by the end of the draft. Sad to see Mike go. But honestly, I was more bothered with the departure of Sapp and Lynch back in the day. And somehow we survived that.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:46 am
“They cited his desire to compete for another Super Bowl and to play in an offense that “challenges defenses” and allows him to “contribute at the highest level.”
The challenges defense part is being totally ignored, but why?
March 16th, 2026 at 8:47 am
“Disagree. Mike will be fine and all will be forgotten by mid-season.”
No he won’t be forgotten. Every big play he makes, every touchdown he scores, and every game he plays is going to be tracked by this fanbase.
If Buc fans can do it for Liam Coen, they’ll damn sure do it for Mike Evans.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:49 am
San Francisco will get a look at Mikes Hamstrings just like we did. when he starts missing games the fans will be saying what a waste of money.
How many Super Bowls did Jerry Rice win after he left the 49ers? Sometimes the grass is not always greener on the other side.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:49 am
Here we go again.
Maybe y’all should change this site’s name to Joe 40 Whiner
Enough about Evans already.
Did yall obsess like this when Sapp left? Lynch? Dunn?
Loved Evans as much as the next Buc fan, but watching him hobble off the field after every catch the last couple years, I knee yhe end was coming. He will never play out that contract with the 49ers. Worn out hamstrings don’t get better with age.