Mike Evans Says “Football,” George Kittle, Brock Purdy Were Key Reasons He Signed With 49ers
March 12th, 2026
Grab your barf bags.
Mike Evans spent time confirming today that his signing with the 49ers was all about football.
Evans met with San Francisco bay area media for the first time and wasn’t talking about how he has long lost cousins in San Jose or property in Mill Valley, or a courtside seats for Warriors games, or a desire to live near Tom Brady’s childhood home.
No, Evans was talking about how he thinks he’s the missing piece for a 49ers team that’s only one piece away from the Super Bowl. Evans talked about how George Kittle was a big reason he signed and Kittle was a key recruiter of him. Also, Evans talked about how the football is better 3,000 miles from One Buc Palace.
“It was always going to be hard to leave Tampa,” Evans said, per Matt Lively of CBS Sports in the other Bay area. “… Football-wise this was the best spot for me for sure. I’ve always appreciated how the Niners went about their business on the football field.”
Joe is too nauseous to type more. Mike wanted out — badly. Joe will have more on that element later.
March 12th, 2026 at 3:55 pm
No more reporting on traitors. Don’t want to hear another word on this guy until his RoH day
March 12th, 2026 at 3:55 pm
This whole saga reflects poorly on the Glazers. They talked on the RTF doc. like this is first class organization. The best offensive player in the history of the team is telling you in no uncertain terms that the 49ers are a better team/organization.
March 12th, 2026 at 3:58 pm
“It was always going to be hard to leave Tampa,” he said with a smile on his face. Traitor.
March 12th, 2026 at 3:58 pm
We lost a Butterfinger, aging WR, who couldn’t stay healthy
No need to lose sleep over him
We’re in a good place with our receiving corps
We’re going to lose more players before opening day
And we’re going to add more players
That’s the life players live in the NFL
March 12th, 2026 at 3:59 pm
Tell us something we don’t know lol our owners, front office and coaches are trash
March 12th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Brock over baker ….. not Bowles ?
March 12th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Thanks Todd.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Dear loyal Bucs fans,
I just like the vibe and fans cheering better at Levi than here at home at RayJay
Signed,
Mike
(I mean essentially)
March 12th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
We’re in a good place with the WRs that we have on our roster
Everything is fine at One Buc Place
March 12th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
why are we talking about players on other teams. Lets focus on the Buccaneers
March 12th, 2026 at 4:01 pm
Can’t blame him. Keeping Bowles is proof that the Buccaneers organization is not serious about winning this year, and possibly in the foreseeable future.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:02 pm
Do you blame him, this season is looking like a tank job and then rebuild with a rookie QB and another new coach, it’s rare a guy stays for 12 years with 1 team, stop all the complaining, the Glazers don’t care if we suck they still get paid, next season will be blamed on Bowles and Licht, not Evans, besides he’s probably going to miss 6 games and SF isn’t winning a SB anyways
March 12th, 2026 at 4:03 pm
Oh stop with the traitor BS! ME13 has earned the right to play in greener pastures. The Bucs organization has hit rock bottom…they quit. This team is a reflection of the HC/DC Todd freaking Bowles. Thanks Glazer family.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:05 pm
Mike can see just like the rest of us, what a $hit show it is in Tampa.
3rd & 28 is a real thing.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:05 pm
Thinkin’ the halo Bucs fans put on Mike’s head might have a few screws loose now
An eye opener for fans and why it’s so interesting when fans are more loyal to individual players over the Bucs as a team. Bucs over players. We are Bucs fans at the end of the day
I’m ready for movin’ on. But still a huge thanks to Mike for everything he did for us and wish him well and he deserves the HoF!
March 12th, 2026 at 4:06 pm
Haha, cripes! Calling Mike a traitor! Absurd.
He did what many of us fans are talking about doing. Not giving the Bucs our time because they are currently rudderless.
Revolving door at OC, an inept HC & DC, crowded WR room, no defensive stars.
All the upside that the Bucs had 2 years ago when Mike resigned has been tossed in the dirt and spit on by Licht and Bowles.
Licht must walk around One Buc with blinders on and Arians in his bluetooth ear bud to have kept Todd around this long. Yeah yeah hindsight to say Canales or Coen would have this team in much better position but all we have is that… Licht is supposed to have daily insight into the coaching and I refuse to believe that the signs weren’t obvious as to the best direction for this club 2-3 years ago.
I am extremely embarrassed for him. I have been a big Licht supporter and now these major mistakes in the past 16 months have me hoping he is canned along with Todd!
March 12th, 2026 at 4:07 pm
You mention Purdy as a reason he left for SF, but than don’t print the quote?
March 12th, 2026 at 4:08 pm
Everyone needs to boycott the Bucs. I know I am
March 12th, 2026 at 4:08 pm
I think it’s interesting that everyone and the Joes are blaming Bowles, Licht, the Glazers. But Mike said something that isn’t getting any attention by anyone and that’s he is going to be excited to play in a stadium that’s full of their fans. He said he was excited for that. I think a lot of Tampa players feel that way but won’t say it. It has to be pretty annoying to play at home but basically be at an away game. But of course continue to blame everyone else and maybe just maybe players want to feel like how other players feel in their stadiums.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:10 pm
He deserved to play for a team that he chose. Not who drafted him. The man is at the end of his career. Any of you would want the same if you knew your career was at the end and had dreams to work for a different company or different kind of job.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:10 pm
Those who call him a “traitor” are probably the same ones saying that those of us who are frustrated and say so are not “true fans.” That’s BS. We are frustrated because we are true fans. We care. We are tired of owners who accept mediocrity (and that in a mediocre division). We can’t expect competitors to be okay with losing, even if they are paid well do do it. This shows Mike would have taken less money to stay if he thought we were a well coached, talented team and great organization. We are not. It’s sad.
Be happy being rich and have pride in the product, Glazerhouses. Have done d@mn self respect.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:11 pm
Can we quit with all the Mike Evans stories now? lets just move the hell on. He didnt wanna be here so he left, next man up.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:12 pm
I don’t blame him at all. I pretty much went through all 5 stages of grief, minus bargaining. I’m happy for Mike. Yes it hurts, he’s a huge part of why I’m a fan, but I chose the Bucs not just Mike. It is what it is. I put this situation on Bowles and the Glazers. Bowles for being a horrible coach and the Glazers for not firing him. It’s hard to be excited about this season because of Bowles and what we are(nt) doing so far. A lot of players are leaving at a fast pace, seems to be because of Bowles and the culture. That’s definitely why no one is coming here. I’ll hope for the best, but honestly it doesn’t look good.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:12 pm
Forgot what he said about the fan base, he said Levi stadium gives him energy being full.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:16 pm
George Kittle will be coming off a torn Achilles injury. Name an NFL player who was not a QB that ever was same player after recovering from a torn Achilles injury. I predict Kittle’s career will be over in 2 years and he will a shell of himself regarding his play in this coming season.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:17 pm
Did he move on from the Bucs?
Or did the Bucs move on from him
The Bucs did draft 2 WRs after extending Chris Godwin
Just Saying
March 12th, 2026 at 4:17 pm
Don’t really care what Mike has to say at this point.
Time to move on.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Sounds like a bitter ex around here lol geezus did you guys marry him and he cheated wild thanks for the memories Mike wish you nothing but success always been great to the fans and bitter people won’t change that. Go bucs.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:20 pm
The traitor is not ME, it’s Bowles, it’s the mind-numbing morons that we have for owners, and then there are the ppl like the Joes that support Bowles because they want the interviews to keep coming, so they kiss his A** all day long. Why don’t you ask him for his defense next time, Joe? Oh, you are afraid to be a true journalist? I thought so.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:20 pm
All you lamenting the loss of Evans, will you be doing the same thing when he sits out 8 games with injuries. Paying a half time players 20 -27Million was the wrong decision, I don’t care who you are. Will see how it goes for him. I am still saying 9.5 games will be the over under on this guy at this age.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:21 pm
3rd and 28
March 12th, 2026 at 4:23 pm
They re-signed Chris Godwin on March 11
Less than 6 weeks later, they drafted 2 WRs
Including spending their 1st round draft pick on a WR
When they desperately needed defensive help
And lots of high quality defensive players were on the board
It seems like the Bucs moved on from him
March 12th, 2026 at 4:23 pm
We just signed safety Miles Killebrew???
Hmmmmmmm 🧐🧐🧐
March 12th, 2026 at 4:25 pm
I just wish Mike woulda maybe shout out the Bucs org or fans or something kinda felt a little disrespected by that I’ve bought like 3 Mike jerseys over the years lol
March 12th, 2026 at 4:26 pm
Maybe if the Glazers has shown us they have a pair and Fired Bowles and brought in a good coach, Evans might have stayed maybe. Its all water under the bridge now. Bucs need to patch the holes (Big task), and try to sail on.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:28 pm
He also said Baker was a big reason why he resigned with the Bucs in 2024. What’s he going to say that Purdy was not a reason? Let’s not stir up a bunch of bs!
March 12th, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Wonder what the plan is for the Miles Killebrew signing…
This dude is 6’2” 220 lbs….
Hasn’t done much in the nfl…
Don’t get this signing at all???
March 12th, 2026 at 4:32 pm
Killebrew played with Steelers so maybe special teams coach Danny Smith has talked him up or something….weird signing to me…
LICHT, WHERES THE EDGE RUSHER????
Helloooooooooooooooo!!!
March 12th, 2026 at 4:33 pm
Brock Purdy 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
March 12th, 2026 at 4:33 pm
What’s the big deal? If he didn’t wanna be here, bye! Joe, you and some of your clones are all butt hurt about a man making a decision to make money and possibly win a Super Bowl? Oh you’d rather him play two more years in Tampa with a similar contract, and go out a loser? For the love of God, grow up!!! Go get another ring ME cause you sure as heck wouldn’t have got another one with the clowns running this team
March 12th, 2026 at 4:34 pm
Does anyone see the similarities between the current Buc world and our Federal government?
March 12th, 2026 at 4:34 pm
Hope he cleared all that talk about being the missing piece with his hamstrings.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:36 pm
Traitor? How the F is ME a Traitor? Who the F would want to play for this moron of a Head Coach? Or is it because of Toilet’s Amazing and Genius Defensive scheme that has been Crap since the Rams playoff loss? Toilet’s own defensive players quit on him the last half of the season…Mike witnessed Toilet’s body of work and did the right thing. Zero motivation to play for this so called Coach.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:37 pm
Good luck Mike. Hope you do well in San Fran!
March 12th, 2026 at 4:38 pm
Evans was around for many bad Buc seasons. He knows what a loser looks like and he seen what was coming with Super Todd and he did the best thing for him. Get out of town. I dont blame him. Super Todd ran off Brady and now Evans. But hey at least the Glazers love him.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:39 pm
Kittle’s hurt lol. McCafferey is due for another injury. Bucs Oline is better when healthy.
George not even going to be back to form next year lol
March 12th, 2026 at 4:39 pm
Bowles defense not only 3rd and 28 or 4th and 14th. Third and long almost always turns into an automatic 1st down. He had enough and knows this clown show is not going back to a SB.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:39 pm
Mike is NOT a traitor.
The Bucs betrayed him by not making decisions that are in the best interest of WINNING.
#Bowlesretainedequalslosingseasons
March 12th, 2026 at 4:40 pm
Well send out the Bloodhounds and Posse. Maybe you can cath him and drag him back to the BowzoBucs.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:41 pm
4get Mike. He need to focus on staying healthy lol.
49ers window closed they just dont know it yet.
Brock Purdy 😂😂😂😂
March 12th, 2026 at 4:46 pm
OWN IT!! Mike was starting to feel drained playing in Ray Jay!! The home game experience was given a F- by the players OWN IT so called Buc fans that constantly sold your tickets, for profit, to anybody that would pay the price so to the players it felt like they were on the road OVERALL as a fanbase U SUCK AS WELL OWN IT🚩🏴☠️🚩!!
March 12th, 2026 at 4:47 pm
Couldn’t get away from Mr 3rd and 28 – Toilet Bowles – fast enough!
March 12th, 2026 at 4:47 pm
It’s like one big emotional wreck in here
March 12th, 2026 at 4:55 pm
There’s your answer
Stop blaming coach
March 12th, 2026 at 4:56 pm
Superstars will not sign with this team, because of the G.M. Word has leak around the league about his double talking.
March 12th, 2026 at 4:59 pm
“A Buc for life” in the words of Alanis Moarissette “your still alive”.
March 12th, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Well said RBUC!!!
March 12th, 2026 at 5:01 pm
Mike is going to spend his last 2 or 3 years as a big fish in a small pond, which was not going to happen here with all these mouths to feed
March 12th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
“It was always going to be hard to leave Tampa,” Evans admitted. “Football-wise, this was the best spot for me for sure. I’ve always appreciated how the Niners went about their business on the football field. Plus, Jason Licht is Fred Flintstone.”
March 12th, 2026 at 5:06 pm
Get-Rid-of-Licht Says:
March 12th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
“It was always going to be hard to leave Tampa,” Evans admitted. “Football-wise, this was the best spot for me for sure. I’ve always appreciated how the Niners went about their business on the football field. Plus, Todd Bowles is fat clueless buffoon.”
Fixed it for you.
March 12th, 2026 at 5:11 pm
“3rd and 28”
March 12th, 2026 at 5:11 pm
I can’t really blame him for leaving as much as it sux. Incompetent gm in licht who can’t evaluate nothing but o line and wr, a bad hc who everybody knows is probably out after this season, and a qb who’s nine years into his career and Mike knows he won’t get a Super Bowl with him. We need to draft a franchise qb next year the bridge veteran ain’t good enough.
March 12th, 2026 at 5:12 pm
Can’t say that I blame Mike, he’s been a good company man and at the end of the day, he doesn’t owe anyone anything.
March 12th, 2026 at 5:13 pm
Bucfan1988 … Wonder what the plan is for the Miles Killebrew signing? Don’t get this signing at all???’
Check his Special Teams snaps. Durable as all git-out (only missed 2 games … until last season). Never really a starter though (only started 5 games in his 10 years in Detroit & Pittsburgh). Selected to S/Ts Pro Bowl twice (2023 & 2024) and as an All-Pro S/Ts in 2023. Quality signing for probably not much money.
March 12th, 2026 at 5:15 pm
Mike played his “I’m taking my talent to (_____) card. Brady did it. Get over it.
March 12th, 2026 at 5:19 pm
He has completely turned his back on all of us. I’m done with him
March 12th, 2026 at 5:22 pm
I honestly don’t understand why so many of you keep parroting ‘3rd and 28′. I get that the Bucs’ defense blew a 3rd & 28 in the Week 15 Thurs Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons on December 11, 2025.
With us leading 28-26, the Bucs’ defense had the Falcons at 3rd-and-28 with 1:49 remaining, but surrendered a 14-yard pass to Kyle Pitts.
The play that REALLY pissed me off was the 4th-and-14 situation that resulted. Cousins completed a 20-yard pass to David Sills to keep the drive alive, and Zane Gonzalez then kicked a 43-yard FG to win it 29-28.
Fans should be screaming about allowing the Falcons to convert the 4th-and-14. THAT’S the play that blew the lead.
March 12th, 2026 at 5:24 pm
Lakeland said it the best in his first Comment. Also like I said MIKE did not trust BAKER “not a QB” Mayfield. Revolving door of coordinators 🗣️and “FOOTBALL “ Mr Jason Licht. Baker , OC, Jason in that order
March 12th, 2026 at 5:25 pm
Last time 49ers won a SB was 1995 – Steve Young era
The 49ers window is closing and they feel Evans puts them over the top and so does Evans.
Bucs have some good fundamental pieces and they are making some good moves, particularly at RB, signing Otton and have addressed the D front 7 with 2 good signings. Let’s see how they draft.
Now if they can stay healthy.
March 12th, 2026 at 5:27 pm
Thanks for the memories Mike, Best of luck to you and your hammys against Seattle’s Super Bowl strangling defense, you’re gonna need it.
March 12th, 2026 at 5:30 pm
He knows Baker cost the Bucs the playoffs last year and will never win anything important. Pretty hard to argue with that considering how awful Baker was when it mattered most last year – to go along with this 4th quarter collapses in the playoffs vs the Lions and Redskins. Evans played with a winner, and he knows Baker is not a winner, so he left town.
March 12th, 2026 at 5:32 pm
Mike Evans isn’t a Buc any longer, and I really wish folks would stop talking about this. Joe’s running Evans’ article after article because so many ‘fans’ use those as vehicles to rag on Bowles.
Mike Evans didn’t leave because of Todd Bowles. Mike made a decision that was in HIS best interests. We do that all the time, but I don’t think any of us blame Todd Bowles for that.
If the Bucs aren’t competitive this year, or in past years, a huge part of the ‘blame’ goes to the GM & owners. The GM stocks the cupboard with talent, and the cupboard has been getting more & more bare since 2021 as we’ve been paying for our Super Bowl victory. Todd Bowles isn’t blameless by any means because he’s made plenty of mistakes, but having quality starters & depth can cover a multitude of mistakes. That’s NOT where we’re at.
March 12th, 2026 at 5:33 pm
4-14 SMH