Mike Evans Starts Tonight For The 49ers
September 10th, 2026
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At 8:35 p.m. tonight (EDT), Mike Evans will take the field for the San Francisco 49ers.
Lots of Bucs fans will be watching on Netflix. Many can’t bear to tune in.
Emotions will be flowing across the Tampa Bay area as a true local legend will play for a new team.
The Bucs loved Evans and offered him a lucrative contract for this season. Evans said he loved Tampa, his teammates and the idea of being a “Buc for Life.” And then he left town without a formal goodbye, and without a fully detailed reason — and for a lot less money.
Somebody please tell Joe another time when that has happened in professional sports?
Joe is confident the Evans mystery will be cracked to a degree before the end of this year.
Tonight, though, is about football. It’s a healthy Evans (he’s not on the 49ers injury report) against All-Pro Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie, and a ferocious pass rush that now includes Myles Garrett.
Joe is not expecting a strong night from the Bucs’ legendary No. 13.
Somehwat ironically, Joe thinks that collectively the Bucs adore their receiving corps and are not feeling the loss of Evans.
Joe kind of feels the same way, but Joe also knows how valuable a guy like Evans would be in the postseason. There’s no guaranteed the Bucs get there, though that’s where he might ulimately be missed most.
Enjoy the game tonight, if you can deal with watching it.
September 10th, 2026 at 1:13 pm
Here’s hoping the 49ers end up with a losing record.
September 10th, 2026 at 1:16 pm
Love Mike. I suspect he was frustrated with the bad playcalling by Grizzard and didn’t trust the org to go get someone competent in his waning years.
I wish him the best, and hope the Bucs beat the Niners in the NFCCG.
September 10th, 2026 at 1:19 pm
The ferocious pass rush does NOT include Aaron Donald tonight. Totes on the rest though.
As far as the mystery, I sure hope it’s cracked by the end of year. Also hope it’s closer to the 99 “degree” than just a single degree. But even a single degree is better than none!
You know Baker said at his $165 million PC that the “culture” is noticeably better and upgraded this year already compared to last. Now I know he meant that by additions of course, but I’m also wondering if he meant that by subtraction(s) as well. And that’ll get ya thinkin’ 🤔
September 10th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
Love Evans but hat ship has sailed and has a lot of barnacles and leaks.
September 10th, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Still love Mike. Rooting for him so he can get that HOF.
September 10th, 2026 at 1:28 pm
I wish him the best.
September 10th, 2026 at 1:31 pm
Love Mike as I will be watching along most Bucs fans. One of the greatest days in Bucs History was when he broke the 1,000 yards for 11 straight seasons.
September 10th, 2026 at 1:38 pm
Breaking…..M Evans Hammy Alert… Hammy Alert…..Down Under.. Ok back to your regularly scheduled program….
September 10th, 2026 at 1:39 pm
Anytime TD +205.
We know the RZ weapon he is. Lil Trent McDuffie ain’t defending him down there.
Could be the best number you see all year. Also on his over 6.5 for the year.
Won’t be able to watch tonight unfortunately but I would love to tune in, to watch Mike and to watch a marquee matchup.
September 10th, 2026 at 1:42 pm
Mike is in the twilight of his career. He did the Bucs a favor by bolting in the middle of the night. The Bucs receiving core is young except for Godwin. The receiving core will only get better with more playing time together.
The foundation is developing, especially with recent draft picks. The Bucs are progressing. Next year could be a Super bowl run.
September 10th, 2026 at 2:00 pm
I don’t have to enjoy the game tonight because I don’t have Netflix. At this point I wouldn’t walk across the street to see Evans. Don’t wish him bad luck, but the way he left for a competing NFC team makes him dead to me.
September 10th, 2026 at 2:17 pm
He gave us a lot. Hope he has a good game.
September 10th, 2026 at 2:18 pm
Evans wanted a change. Sometimes change for its own sake is exciting and energizing for people. That’s life. And let’s be real, SF is a higher visibility situation for a guy who wants to be in the HOF, and wants to be recognized by a wider audience. I think Evans wanted more than the Tampa market, and maybe the team had to offer. It’s his personal business. There’s no dirt or deep dark reason why he left. Let’s stop acting like there is. I mean, Evans lived in Texas in the offseason, often did his own thing with training. He has a little bigtime in him, so it’s not that surprising.
September 10th, 2026 at 2:22 pm
Wish that he does not get hurt at all, plays every game, hits 990 yards (with his team and coach having the opportunity to make 1000 – think Ronald Jones in 2020) and miss the playoffs with a losing record.
Go Bucs!
September 10th, 2026 at 2:22 pm
ME13 is the best WR this city has ever seen.
Good luck big guy!
September 10th, 2026 at 2:23 pm
I want him to watch the Bucs in the playoffs, from his couch! Yep I’m italian, and hold grudges like that
September 10th, 2026 at 2:35 pm
Somebody spill the damn beans already. We all deserve to know why. Its disrespectful to our loyal fanbase and the legions of fans who were ride or die 13 fans for over a decade to hide the truth. Spill it so we can move on.
September 10th, 2026 at 2:36 pm
I won’t be watching.
September 10th, 2026 at 2:37 pm
Elite corners usually shut him down, love Mike but he’s going to regret joining the 3rd best team in that division.
Honestly, it’s going to be weird seeing him in a different jersey but good luck Mike, you are going to need it
September 10th, 2026 at 2:37 pm
Good luck Mike!….still much love for you….believe me, when you left, i said to myself, i get it….but I will say, you’re gonna miss out on a good season here. All good. Stay healthy.
September 10th, 2026 at 2:39 pm
Rooting for Mike in all games expect games vs us. These next 2-3 years are key in building his HOF case. Hope he’s able to stay healthy and rack up the stats
September 10th, 2026 at 2:40 pm
@Weston
The Bucs fanbase is one of the smallest and passive in the league. No one is going to spill why Mike left until they have to. The things that happen to this team and market would not be acceptable with a larger fanbase or a bigger market.
Any other coach finishes 2-7 with a fanbase like Philly, GB, the Giants or another popular team and that coach is fired. If a “Defensive Guru” can’t fix the pass defense after being here for 7 seasons, a team with larger support like the Bills, Commanders, heck even the Browns would’ve fired that clown coach by now
September 10th, 2026 at 2:44 pm
I’ll watch the official NFL highlights on YouTube tomorrow
September 10th, 2026 at 2:45 pm
Oh, I will be watching to see the helmet tap and grab of the back of leg. Healthy going in, lets see for how long.
September 10th, 2026 at 2:48 pm
Buc4ever——
How many times are you gonna tell us Mike is “dead to me?”
We get it, Mike hurt your feelings, but he did no wrong, committed no crimes.
He just wanted a change, and as far as we know the reason has yet to be revealed. And truthfully, despite our desire to dig up some dirt, is it really any of our business?
Agoraphobics never leave the house when others travel the world. To each his own.
His number will one day be hanging from the rafters at RayJay. And he busted his butt for us the whole time he was here.
Why not leave it at that and wish him well?
September 10th, 2026 at 2:56 pm
I will Not be rooting for SF or Mike with their lifetime .500 coach
As far as the “mystery being cracked” goes….. It has been, you just don’t like the answer. Mike saw the writing on the wall.
September 10th, 2026 at 3:05 pm
In addition to frustration with bowles (as a HC & DC, not as a person), I think a big part of why ME13 left is targets. He has always been the opposite of a “give me the dang ball” diva WR, but why do you think he’s still playing (and for much less $ at that)? He’s not playing for the money or pro bowl nods at this point. Or even for “the love of the game.” He’s playing for his legacy and to try to make his HOF nod a certainty. Another ring sure wouldn’t hurt. Another 1200 yard season and getting even more TDs wouldn’t hurt. Which WR room does an aging, oft injured vet have a better chance of doing that in? Without a question it’s SF. But kinda hard to come out and admit that’s the reason when that is anathema to how you’ve carried yourself over a 12 year career. He just decided to be selfish for a change. We offered him money, SF offered him targets, yards, and TDs we simply couldn’t with our current WR group. He now plays for SF, simple as that.
September 10th, 2026 at 3:11 pm
i hate the Rams ever since the Bert Emmanuel CATCH!!!!!
love Mike and i hope he gets the W tonight!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
September 10th, 2026 at 3:13 pm
Joe, especially, Steve, can’t let go of an Evans-related story. It’s time to stop, just like the Doug Williams stories. On to the Bengals.
September 10th, 2026 at 3:19 pm
The $20+million we WOULD have paid Mike was put to better use INO. I will be watching though
September 10th, 2026 at 3:29 pm
Rooting for ya, Mike!
September 10th, 2026 at 3:40 pm
Evans was great while playing here in Tampa, both for the team and the community. I’m wishing him great seasons as long as he continues to play.
September 10th, 2026 at 3:41 pm
Weston Says:
September 10th, 2026 at 2:35 pm
There are no beans.
Not really. It was a personal decision. We may WANT to have a more specific explanation, but we’re not entitled to it.
There’s no truth being hidden. Why do people obsess over this, as if there’s some deeper, mysterious reason? Maybe there’s not. Move on.
It’s been spilled as much as it’s going to be spilled. He’s a professional athlete. He has a lot of different things that motivate him, not just money… Honestly, a lot of people prefer living on the west coast (including me). Maybe he felt it would be a better life for him in SF. He doesn’t seem to be missing the suffocating heat.
Move on, let it go.
September 10th, 2026 at 3:49 pm
There’s no truth being hidden. Why do people obsess over this, as if there’s some deeper, mysterious reason? Maybe there’s not. Move on.
———–
Because some people let the Joes tell them what to think and it’s been a favorite point of gossip for Joe.
September 10th, 2026 at 3:54 pm
i said after third and 28 he was gone, i’m actually more interested than normal in the game tonight bc Mike is playing, i hope he does great and the 49ers win but the rams are sb favorites, i hope he stays healthy and does not get hurt tonight
September 10th, 2026 at 4:12 pm
Meh …….
September 10th, 2026 at 4:21 pm
He’s just not that into you, Tampa.
September 10th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
It’s not complicated. Evans wanted to be part of another championship team before winding up his career. He knew that could never happen with a Todd Bowles coached team.
You don’t walk off the field screaming 3rd and 28 if you have confidence in your defensive coordinator.
Then Bowels is inexplicably retained in both HC and DC roles. At that point it just occurred to Evans he needed to make a change. He didn’t want to show anyone up, so he did his best to leave quietly and kept his reasons to himself.
I don’t blame him one bit.
September 10th, 2026 at 5:13 pm
I’ll root for him. I was a Niner fan as a kid anyway, so it won’t be hard.
But I’m still glad we didn’t re-sign him. Our WR room is deep, and he’d eat an enormous amount of cap room. Plus he’s almost guaranteed to miss five games this year.
September 10th, 2026 at 5:36 pm
Actually, when i renewed with Netflix today to watch the game I wasn’t even thinking about Evans on the 494ers. So much for all off your hyperbole. But now that you mention it, I hope his hammy has problems again tonight and through the season
September 10th, 2026 at 5:51 pm
Go Mike!!!
I hope you get a first down on 3 – 28!!!
September 10th, 2026 at 5:54 pm
Hoping that the guy has a great game. Something is behind the scene that helped push him out the door. If you root against Mike, you probable h8 Santa too
September 10th, 2026 at 6:03 pm
GO RAMS
& played the UNDER on Mike’s yards
September 10th, 2026 at 6:35 pm
Wish Mike the best. Hope he shines tonight. Nothing but respect.
September 10th, 2026 at 6:48 pm
So all we need now is a 49er open thread.
September 10th, 2026 at 7:18 pm
Time to move on, no longer under constant pressure to feed him the ball and get his 1000 yd season, wont miss those offense PI’s.
September 10th, 2026 at 7:20 pm
I’m kind of hoping that Mike gets wide open 3 or 4 times. I’m also hoping Purdy overthrows or underthrows him every time.
September 10th, 2026 at 7:32 pm
I care about the game tonight because I have McCaffrey and Nacua in my 2 different leagues. All that’s important to know about Mike is that he (reportedly) left for non-football reasons and picked a good place for his HoF quest. I wish him well.
September 10th, 2026 at 7:46 pm
Stpetematt. They just did stories on McCaffrey and Nacua. They both look more than ready to go- great players, you oughta do well.
September 10th, 2026 at 7:53 pm
Yeah it’s PPR leagues too and they are 2 of the absolute *BEST* players to have in PPR. Very excited for this season and this game.
Enjoy the season everyone and I hope the Bucs take home the Lombardi again. Would mean several of our rookies are Pro Bowlers right off the bat.
September 10th, 2026 at 7:57 pm
Let it go or Mike’s going to out a restraining order.
September 10th, 2026 at 8:18 pm
After watching the Seahawks play last night and watching all this 49ers pregame it reinforces my belief that these 2 teams are good football teams.
Thinking about our team knocking off both these teams about 10 months ago reinforces my belief that our team is getting there.
I can’t help it, I’m gonna be cheering for Mike, and the 49ers.
September 10th, 2026 at 8:51 pm
ME has 3 catches already in 1st drive
September 10th, 2026 at 8:52 pm
He’s going off for San Fran
September 10th, 2026 at 9:00 pm
Glad that ME13 (ME5) has a real Qb, he knew that he didn’t have one here, and it was no chance of winning a SB here! LFG MIKE !!!!
September 10th, 2026 at 9:03 pm
49ers 1st drive: 3 first downs on 3 targets. Sound like the same old Evans to me
September 10th, 2026 at 9:09 pm
Get that 1000 yard season ME. Better yet get 1500, 15 TD, and an All-pro.
September 10th, 2026 at 9:16 pm
They are getting ME open through play design. It’s amazing to watch a well coached offense.
September 10th, 2026 at 9:19 pm
Why they making those deep passes to Kittle? I thought that was why they brought Mike, plus Kittle just rehabbed from a serious injury.
September 10th, 2026 at 9:19 pm
Evans still looks good and would have been better off here. You can’t tell me Purdy is a better QB than Baker. On top of that 49ers going to have a hard time making the playoffs in that division.
September 10th, 2026 at 9:27 pm
Love him for what he did for Tampa, business is business but he showed up always so hats off and hope he has a amazing year
September 10th, 2026 at 9:40 pm
This site is called Joe Bucs. Let’s keep all stories to guys wearing red and pewter. Thanks
September 10th, 2026 at 10:03 pm
Rastafarian-Jenkins——
No thanks.
Did you hate Sapp when he went to the Raiders, or Lynch as a Denver Bronco?
Once a Buccaneer, always a Buccaneer with the great ones … unless we play against them, of course.
September 10th, 2026 at 10:12 pm
Seek help, Joe.
September 10th, 2026 at 10:18 pm
ME scored–he’s blowing up
September 10th, 2026 at 10:18 pm
Touchdown, Evans!
September 10th, 2026 at 10:22 pm
Easy money!
Most 3rd down conversions of his career. Slants everywhere.
You wanna know why he left. This game is exhibit A!!!
No end of half go balls hunting DPIs for easy points.
We should all be mad at the OCs and misuse of Evans more than we are Mike. Absolutely embarrassing how some of you have acted about the Bucs best WR of all time.
September 10th, 2026 at 10:27 pm
so far 7 targets for 6 receptions and a touchdown…
September 10th, 2026 at 10:27 pm
Evans just made me 40.00 with his TD he was plus 210 on hard rock
September 10th, 2026 at 10:30 pm
Looks fantastic… Just like he did at the end of last year when Baker couldn’t get the ball in the zip code of any of his receivers.
September 10th, 2026 at 10:41 pm
Rod has always been a career fan of Evan’s and Vita. Just search for yourselves. Douche
September 10th, 2026 at 11:20 pm
Patrickbucs Says:
September 10th, 2026 at 10:41 pm
Rod has always been a career fan of Evan’s and Vita.
———–
You are aware this is a Buccaneers site? Correct?
September 10th, 2026 at 11:37 pm
So weird seeing him in a Niners uniform, but I was rooting for him.
Definitely a good opening game, 49 yards and a tuddy.
Picking up a bunch of first downs on third down.
No hamstring pulls.
Here’s to Mike going over 1000 with 10 more TDs… And losing to the Buccaneers in the playoffs
September 10th, 2026 at 11:41 pm
Rod….
You mean when Baker had an injured knee and injured shoulder, no offensive lineman, went most of the year without a starting running back, and the top three receivers barely played and when they did, they weren’t health?
Yeah I remember that.
So glad they’re all healthy now and they signed him as QB 1 for the next four years.
This offense is going to roll this year and they might have to put up numbers because the defensive secondary has good starters, but is really really thin.
I will believe a consistent pass rush with the front four or five when I see it. Rooting for it but they’re counting on KANCEY to be healthy and a rookie.
September 10th, 2026 at 11:53 pm
He caught 6 balls for 49 yards and a touchdown. Some people here think he just tore it up tonight. When he had games like that here, those same people complained. That being said , he looked like the same Mike Evans to me.
September 10th, 2026 at 11:57 pm
Mike knows how to win big games. That’s why he escaped Baker and Bowles.
September 11th, 2026 at 1:33 am
David – I don’t buy the “he was injured so nothing is his fault” routine, but I do hope you’re right and Baker can stay “healthy” for an entire season. He’s the QB, the Bucs tied themselves to him, so let’s hope we have more success than excuses this year.
September 11th, 2026 at 3:48 am
Mike Blew the doors off tonight! With 4! Count them, 4…. 3rd down conversations in the first quarter alone! A new personal record for him. Add in the touchdown reception and he’s ON FIRE!
Whoever had back biting comments about Mike is burnt like toast or he’d fall apart, Sure Are wearing egg on their faces today! Mike WAS FIRE last night!
I Sure Do miss him. And it sure felt So Very Wrong seeing him in a freaking 49er uniform..
Glad for Mike. Still though… it puts The Stamp on why we deserve SO MUCH BETTER than the Dog and Pony show which IS “The Reason” WHY OUR HERO ran into another’s arms! OUR LOST HERO looked as good as ever last night. Set a new personal best with the conversations.
What a shame the Glazers can’t get it together. Rather they have chosen to force the Bozo brigade apon The Fans so we can suffer this fool for another bungled bizzarro world special that’s guaranteed to make you likely want to vomit by mid season as the D line is “tip toeing through the tulips” chasing down receivers 20 yards down field looking foolish, as ANY ROOKIE QB looks like Tom Brady in his hay day, picking our defense apart as if it’s “COLOR BY NUMBERS” for the mentality challenged… Sad.