“Third-And-28!”
March 9th, 2026
The last straw?
“Third-and-28!”
That phrase will be remembered for years to come. Decades maybe.
Like Bucs clichés of the past, “Pound That Rock!” and “It’s a Bucs Life,” Joe believes “Third-and-28” will live for a long, long time. And not for anything positive.
That phrase was first uttered in absolute frustration by now former Bucs receiver Mike Evans. The future Hall of Famer was in disbelief when the Bucs choked away a critical win at home — when its soft defense couldn’t find a way to get a stop after Atlanta found itself painted into a corner with a third-and-28 pickle. On national television, no less.
Guys running defenses when that type of stunt is pulled have suffered worse fates than the Bucs’ defensive coordinator that evening, who was retained by the Bucs for the 2026 season.
Evans came into the tunnel under The Licht House and was unhinged. As he neared the locker room entrance, right in front of Joe at the time, Evans doubled over in complete rage and screamed, “Third-and-28! What are we doing!”
After Evans announced he was signing with the 49ers today, that memory flashed in Joe’s head. Joe is confident in typing that incident, third-and-28, planted the seed of doubt in Evans’ head that the Bucs’ window as a playoff and/or a Super Bowl contender was slammed shut.
Evans, Joe believes, lost all faith in the Bucs’ ability to win or even play moderately decent defense.
And let’s not forget Evans witnessed with his own eyes the offense collapse in the second half of the season, losing seven of the Bucs’ last nine game.
That sure didn’t fill Evans with optimism for the near future of the Bucs.
Joe is also confident there were other factors — the least of which is his new contract (which won’t be bloated after the State of California swallows a good chuck of it).
Joe also believes Evans’ lost faith in the Bucs’ ability to win because of the constant revolving door at offensive coordinator. It had to wear on him.
Let’s be real: What is known about Zac Robinson other than he worked for Sean McVay? Is he the offensive coordinator who guided Atlanta to the sixth-best offense in the league (yards per game) or the same guy who had the 14th-best offense last year?
Evans’ new offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan? Well, he’s about as established of a star offensive coordinator as there is in the game.
Yes, today is a very sad day. The Joe typing this here post was also a monster Albert Pujols fan and has never recovered from Pujols leaving the Cardinals. But you know what, Pujols was never the same player after he took the money and ran to Los Angeles.
Joe is not wishing Evans any ill. He always treated Joe with respect. But if he doesn’t enjoy the same success in San Francisco as he did here in Tampa Bay, it will help the medicine go down a little easier.
Fans can now all stop using that cliché that Team Glazer never lost a player it wanted to keep.
“Third-and-28.” Joe won’t soon forget it.
A frustrated Mike Evans after the Bucs lose 29-28 to the Falcons.
Evans finished with six catches for 132 yards. pic.twitter.com/p8XVQ5zmQs
— Kyle Burger (@kyle_burger) December 12, 2025
March 9th, 2026 at 4:49 pm
3rd and 28 will live forever
March 9th, 2026 at 4:49 pm
I said it all along, this game was the last straw.
The Glazers keeping Todd B. as HC; lost them ME13 playing for only one team.
Nothing we can do about it, this is on the owners and now on to the next season.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:51 pm
Should be shouted at the top of every Buc Fans lungs at every home game as long as Bowles is still coaching this team
March 9th, 2026 at 4:51 pm
Jason Licht has done a terrible job addressing Bucs pass rush. It needs to be talked about.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
Fire Todd and Jason. This is only going to get worse under their leadership
March 9th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
The fact that you use that as an excuse is mind boggling
You act all professional and you are as bad as the fans
Is a business and he chose more $$$$
Simple
Wait till he sees the taxes take a chunk cause in Cali taxes are no joke
3 year deal is a lunacy
March 9th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
Todd Bowles …. Was gifted this club and he has absolutely ruined it !!
March 9th, 2026 at 4:53 pm
Every day those bozos are in charge the Bucs will get worse.
Arch Manning Watch is On.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:53 pm
I hope this sinks in and a proper fire is lit under the a$$es that brought it to this. Thank you Mike Evans for expressing our frustration so eloquently.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:53 pm
How many QBs will have thrown Evans the ball now? You can guarantee two in San Fran, because the QB will miss a few games, but he is still GOAT. Got his jersey, thinking he would be a lifer, well, that leaves #63, #55, #20, and #40.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:53 pm
Stop whining this isn’t 2022 Evans it’s 2026 Evans and paying him when we have 4 good WRs and really good receiving RBs that $20 million is better used elsewhere
March 9th, 2026 at 4:54 pm
Mike chose to leave. The team made an effort to keep him. Instead he left to join a team who might be the 3rd best in a brutally competitive NFC West. This isn’t about winning, its about Mile going to a team with no #1 wide receiver. All he cares about at this stage is his stats. Sorry to say, but its pretty clear
March 9th, 2026 at 4:54 pm
3rd and 28
And about to be 7-10
Keeping Todd has Torpedoed us for past 2 years
He we are
No mf Edge 😡
March 9th, 2026 at 4:54 pm
We have Godwin, Ebuka, McMillan and Tez Johnson. I’m not worried about out WR room with Evans gone, we haven’t lost him in his prime.
The only thing I continue to be worried about is Bowles as the HC. He’s just not good, wouldn’t matter if we still had Evans, we aren’t accomplishing anything under Bowles.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:54 pm
Evans left because he wanted to leave. No matter the reason cited, he left because he wanted to walk away from the franchise.
I’m disappointed about it, but $20m per for an aging receiver coming off an injury plagued season isn’t what we need to be spending on that position.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:55 pm
Anyone who thinks there was any other reason than Bowles is a fool.
3rd and 28.
When the Glazers kept this clown, that was it. Worse yet, what message does this send to other free agents when the greatest offensive player in franchise history chooses to leave?
March 9th, 2026 at 4:55 pm
Todd “3rd & 28” Bowels, already had little to no breathing room with the fans next season. This officially pushed his head deep under water!
March 9th, 2026 at 4:55 pm
100% Believe keeping TB after the season showed ME13 all he needed to see for how he wanted to end his career with a chance to win another Super Bowl not just an 8-9 NFCS championship
March 9th, 2026 at 4:56 pm
I had mentioned at the end of the season to watch the film at the end of those games. ME was pissed, he came back from his injury to play playoff football and this team, top to bottom failed. I have nothing but respect for Mike, no hate, I hope he finishes with an all pro season and a ring. Great player and a great man.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:57 pm
We need the money for defensive signings. Mike should remember that the “Grass is always greener on the other side”.
We will be fine at receiver.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:57 pm
only thing that would have kept evans here was maxx crosby. hendrickson wouldnt have moved the needle for mike. no dogs on defense
March 9th, 2026 at 4:58 pm
The only 3rd I care about is the 3rd round compensatory pick Bucs will likely get for letting Evans and Dean walk. Only problem I have with signing your own guys formula is that you lose those compensatory picks. Those picks built the Pats dynasty.
March 9th, 2026 at 4:58 pm
I told you “smart” fans that the 49rs had their sights on Evans. They missed the SB but that made them more hungry. Quite the opposite from this moribund franchise.
“3rd and 28” should be tattooed on Bowles forehead so he could see it each day in the mirror.
Signed,
Former Buc and 49er fan now still a 49er fan and now a Buc troll!
March 9th, 2026 at 4:58 pm
And yet here with sit with another season of Bolwzo. Mike saw the writing on the wall as did everyone on planet earth except the Glazers.
Where is the big FA signing with all that Evans loot? Jason, hello??
March 9th, 2026 at 5:02 pm
IBS was NEVER the right guy for the job!
Never deserved a second HC job… Just got lucky with the situation around him because the other 3 NFCS teams got so bad at the same time…
Those teams are building back and the Bucs are diminishing because of IBS…
March 9th, 2026 at 5:02 pm
Licht needs to work miracles because Dean and ME are talent that you can not easily replace.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:02 pm
Another throwaway year incoming with the lard a$$. Can’t even blame Mike for getting outta dodge. Sad to see
March 9th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
Joe if you have read any of my comments, I have been saying it over and over again yesterday, today. I have called it infamous 3rd and 28 and made a similar statement today in Ira’s column. Yes unfortunately 3-28 is right up there in Bucs not so good storied history .
I do think it had a major part in ME leaving and yes he may have made up his mind as he lost it in the tunnel. He may have given it time to settle, but he just couldn’t shake it!!. I hope he is wrong, but believe he just lost complete faith that the Bucs were headed in the wrong direction. He did that early in his career and decided he was not going out that way. Yes very very sad day. Presently, all we can do is hope he is wrong about the team . The good news if any, maybe they can now sign Hendrickson after all.
On a side note, when they paid that running back from Pitt that kind of money, I went, I think the Bucs know they lost ME so they had money to spend .
Yes I was there for 3-28. I said the same thing as Mike all the way home. If you are a Buc fan you are saying it today as we say by to ME.
Well ME SF was a great decision enjoy the rest of your career!!!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
No hope left. Bowles is the captain of this stinking sinking ship. What a joke this franchise is under this guy’s leadership. Oh well. All least Evans will get to play in front of full stadiums. Unlike our half empty no bake oven they want us to sit in. Welcome to another lost decade folks. Another sad sad day to be a Bucs fan. I stopped my season passes after Bowles first terribly coached season. It’s getting worse every season. I will not be back. I will always be a fan but they won’t see any of my money. I don’t go on their website or app anymore either. Luv my Bucs, Hate these top level dumb decisions. It’s a Bucs life, for sure!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:04 pm
Todd Bowles is 100% at fault, we know it, Glazers know it and jason Licht knows it, even Bowles knows it. Glazers too afraid to do what is not politically correct. Glazers afraid to fire this lame ass Black man, they also like they can keep paying him the least amount of all 32 head coaches. in 2026 Bucs will have 4 wins. I’ve already moved on. Glazers don’t give a fck neither do I.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:05 pm
Spot on Joe –
5 OC’s in 5 years.
3rd and 28 will live forever in my mind……
(As will Cooper Kupp).
With out checking Google ai – of all the Wide Receivers (in the last 20 odd years) to stay with the same team and elected to the Hall of Fame-
Larry Fitzgerald
Marvin Harrison
Steve Largent (I used to live in Seattle) lol.
God Bless M1K3 and I wish him the best.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:06 pm
There is no way Evans walks away from Tampa if he thought this was a Super Bowl team. This isn’t even a division winning team. He just wants to win!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:07 pm
It’s over now.
Thanks, Bowles. Thanks, Licht. Thanks, Glazers. You guys blew it.
Thank you, Mike Evans. It was great to cheer for you. I wish you continued success. I wish the best for your family. You are a great man!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:08 pm
With the Falcons it’s usually about 28-3 (Patriots SB) or 3rd & 28
You know sh!t is about to get crazy if those 2 numbers pop up in some fashion in a Falcons game
March 9th, 2026 at 5:08 pm
Bucs Super Bowl window closed the moment they hired Todd Bowles. I will be watching Mike Evans play on Sundays. This is a throwaway season I’ll always be a fan and watch the game but won’t be raging about what I knew for the last 3 years. Mike and Chris wasted their careers playing for Bowles
March 9th, 2026 at 5:10 pm
Bakers passer rating just dropped ..😔
March 9th, 2026 at 5:12 pm
0-4 – that’s what Evans saw and why he left.
And that 0-4, with the playoffs on the line, was 100% the doing of Baker Mayfield.
In that 3rd and 28 game, lets not forget the game is already over if Baker does his job and hits a pass that I could literally throw.
Lets not forget that game vs the Falcons, if Baker is even remotely accurate, Evans is well over 200 yards with at least 2 TDs. Evans made a bunch of amazing catches that game – and it wasn’t needed as he was wide open, and Baker could barely get in his zip code.
Evans saw Baker choke in Carolina – where Evans did what you’re supposed to do on a scramble only to watch Baker choke, and throw it to the wrong place AFTER Evans had already started running up the field (not to mention the fact Baker had 2 wide open WRs to his right that he completely ignored).
Lets not forget Baker going to Miami, in a must win game, and playing perhaps the worst game of his Bucs career with everything on the line.
Baker Mayfield throwing for 122 yards vs the Cardinals, and 144 yards vs the Saints – that’s why Evans left.
Last 6 games of the season, playoffs on the line:
Bucs defense, 10th in points allowed
Bucs offense, 28th in points scored
That’s why Evans left.
Because Baker is a bum.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:13 pm
19/125
The Falcons had 19 accepted penalties (a lot more the Bucs declined)
For a total of 125 yards
And the Bucs couldn’t take advantage of it
That was the story of the game
March 9th, 2026 at 5:14 pm
Its ALL ON THE GLAZERS. 100%
#thetitantic
March 9th, 2026 at 5:15 pm
Bowels 328 defence.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:16 pm
Bowles has failed upwards his entire career as a HC.
Mike had enough of the excuses and empty rhetoric.
Todd just flat sucks at both his jobs and has no consequences.
Firing every other coach except TB zero was pure idiocy.
Just imagine where we’d be if Coen had taken over as the HC.
#SuperBowles
March 9th, 2026 at 5:16 pm
Surprised Mike left but sounds like he had a deal that will only cost him two years and will secure his family for their lifetimes. I wish him the best. Now it’s time for our other receivers and the D to step up. I think we will be fine though.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:17 pm
Mikes a pretty smart guy. He knows ths Buc team is not going to the superbowl anytime soon. Not with Bowles. He has a shot in Frisco. And thats what he wants. One last shot. Can’t blame him. That 3rd and 28 broke his heart. Mine too. Hopefully our Defense can get off the field this season. GO GET HENDRICKSEN BUCS!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:19 pm
Mike understands the uphill battle ahead of the Bucs in 2026 better than anyone. He chose to bail and I don’t blame him one bit. In fact, I wish him the best of luck. You can’t help but feel our WR room just went from the biggest strength to a question mark. Particularly since Godwin has not looked like himself in a long time. We’ll move forward, but we’re also 1 season from a full reset in my opinion.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:21 pm
Happy for big Mike!!!!!! With the money hes already made you couldn’t have paid me enough to stay in the dumb either. This is a complete embarrassment. Cannot wait to see the vultures circling around Bowles at the end of the first half every week when the game is already over.
David will now retire, Baker will not sign an extension…this is going to get really ugly really really fast!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:21 pm
I am not going to miss Mike Evans too much……what I am surprised about is that he signed with the 49ers
I would rather have Mayfield as my QB, not Purdy!
Anyway, I wish Mike Evans luck and hope he does well and stays healthy for a full season
PS Hire Jim Schwartz and do whatever it takes to acquire him!!!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:22 pm
It takes two to tango. Could argue he cost us the Carolina game. Mike has wanted to try a new environment for some time so I’m glad he can have that chance. Our WRs will flourish, watch.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:22 pm
Anybody have a loaded kitty litter box I can kick? Meet me at OPB.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:23 pm
The dude don’t really care about the taxes…its about that Ring. He’s made enough $$ over the years. Too many question marks with the Bucs going into this year, and Toilet Bowels most likely was THE deciding factor to get the heck outta here. As far as coaching and leadership there is ZERO comparison between Bowels and Shanahan…its like comparing a Pinto to a Ferrari. Yes it was ‘3rd and 28’, it was also Cooper Kupp.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:23 pm
Man if you think ME and his agents aren’t exactly aware of how state taxes will impact his money you are out of your mind.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:25 pm
capebuc Says:
March 9th, 2026 at 5:22 pm
It takes two to tango. Could argue he cost us the Carolina game.
————
No, you literally couldn’t unless you ate lead paint as a kid. Go watch the play, Mike has already turned up field and taken a step when Baker still has the ball in his hands.
Baker is bum. Evans choosing to leave so as to not have to play with Baker, confirms everything.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:26 pm
The 328 Defense
Greatest Defense Ever
It Trumps the Tampa Two
The Best
March 9th, 2026 at 5:27 pm
It will Live In Infamy!!!!!!!!!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:28 pm
Mike’s lost a step. I understand the angst, but I don’t think it is as big a loss as people are making it out to be.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:28 pm
Exactly right Vancouver Buc it’s all about trying to win another Super Bowl
March 9th, 2026 at 5:30 pm
He never won in that uniform lol
March 9th, 2026 at 5:32 pm
The $20M that would’ve gone to Evans is already gone. We took a $13M dead money cap hit with him leaving. And we handed $7M to a diminutive second string RB.
But hey, we made up it for it by giving $10M/year to a jag TE, and of all the LBs available FA, we signed the only one over 30. Licht is proving to be the pumpkin he was before Brady arrived.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:33 pm
Coltol Says:
March 9th, 2026 at 5:28 pm
Mike’s lost a step. I understand the angst, but I don’t think it is as big a loss as people are making it out to be.
———-
Lots of morons with idiotic takes today.
100% of them are Baker Boi(s) trying to claim Baker didn’t want Mike, that’s why he left – instead of the reality that Evans left because he knows Baker is a bum and this team is going nowhere with Mayfield at QB.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:34 pm
HeartyDickerson Says:
March 9th, 2026 at 5:32 pm
The $20M that would’ve gone to Evans is already gone. We took a $13M dead money cap hit with him leaving. And we handed $7M to a diminutive second string RB.
————-
The cap means nothing, they can spread out the salary however they want. This wasn’t the Bucs being cheap, this was Evans fleeing because Baker is the QB.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:36 pm
Rod. Baker became more popular in Tampa than Mike. Because he played harder than Mike. And he prepared harder than Mike. And he’s a better football player than Mike. And he’s more appreciative than Mike for his blessings. And he makes a bunch more money than Mike. And as was proven today, he makes better decisions than Mike. Good luck Mike. You’re gonna rue this decision for the rest of your career.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:36 pm
Evans leaving means only 1 thing, he doesn’t believe we can win in the next 3yrs.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:38 pm
88% (actually 100%) sure Evans deserves to end his career however/wherever he wishes. Going from the easiest division in the NFL to the toughest for a chance to win another ring says everything needed about what he thinks of Bowles ability as a HC & DC imo. He’s not wrong.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:40 pm
The deep playoff run wasn’t happening with Evans or without him. That’s why he left. And yeah the Atlanta game was likely the tipping point.
If the division is bad again then the glazers get their chance to get the home playoff revenue again. If the division is improved, it’s 7, 8 win ceiling and hopefully a mini reboot with a young offensive mind.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:40 pm
Bucs got worse today and we already were a losing team with a losing record last year.
Retaining Bowles doomed this franchise for at least next season at minimum.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:44 pm
Bowles has cost us Coen, and now Evans. If Coen was our HC, I’d bet Mike would still be a Buc.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:44 pm
88% (actually 100%) certain Mike deserves to end his career wherever he wishes as he chases another ring. The fact that he chose to leave the easiest division in the NFL for the toughest in order to do so says everything about his thoughts of Todd Bowles ability as a HC & DC imo. Well done Mike, wish you much success!!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:45 pm
Mikes injuries were part of the reason we were not contenders.If he stays healthy all year we make the playoffs .
SF is a good team but they are not a shoe in for the playoffs
March 9th, 2026 at 5:46 pm
50th season = 3rd & 28 season
March 9th, 2026 at 5:46 pm
The 49ers are nasty!
Their defense is sick!
Fast and violent!
John Lynch got a team of backups to the playoffs!
The 49ers are TOUGH.
The Bucs are SOFT.
Mike Evans is insanely tough. He’s excited to play for a team that FIGHTS.
Our team is PATHETIC.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:47 pm
Offense will not have a drop off because of ME13 leaving. The defense on the other hand will suck again under Bowles’s leadership.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:51 pm
I wouldn’t blame the Glazers entirely for this, they made the big moves they needed to win two Super Bowls.
Keeping Bowles probably didn’t help, but also, I think the aversion to INTs hurt Mike’s stats. You can always throw a 50/50 to Mike, but it could get picked and because of the attention he gets, other guys are wide open. Safer play is to go away from him.
They had to press to get him the last 1K, and they weren’t lighting it up before he got hurt.
And based on their cap situation and their lack of talent on Defense, thanks in part to the Brady years, defensively, the talent was really lacking and may take a couple of seasons of FA and drafting to get better.
Finally, you drafted JMac and Egbuka for this day, better hope they are who they think they were, if they are another Devon White, we are toast. You have to use them and they should have naturally taken away touches from Mike.
I think Mike is chasing achievements. He wants to cement his legacy, to do that, he has to be the focus, not sure he would continue to be that here.
I thank him and wish him well.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:52 pm
I need to know can the bucs step in offer Mike a better deal before we’d and he can stay or does 49ers have him now no matter what?
March 9th, 2026 at 5:53 pm
Give me a break Teacherman. Evans is one tweak away from another hammy strain and being out for four games. The guy cant play a complete season. The Bucs with all starters in place are just as tough as the 49ers. The Bucs destroyed the 49ers last year. 30-19. remember?
March 9th, 2026 at 5:53 pm
Paying Mike Evans WR 1 money would have been a huge mistake. Much like paying Godwin WR 1 money was. He didnt want to be here and not be the first option. He was moved to second option when we drafted Ebuka. Let him go we beat the 49ers head to head only reason he is there is he thinks he will be the first option.
I am ok with him leaving he isn’t worth the money at his current level of performance and again he chose not to be here.
Let’s see what we do with that extra cap space.
March 9th, 2026 at 5:56 pm
M1K3, wanted a better QB!!! Period, stop with all of the other Excuses!!!!
March 9th, 2026 at 5:57 pm
3rd and 28 followed by 4th and 14, also converted for a 1st down 🤮
March 9th, 2026 at 5:59 pm
We should probably fire the guy responsible for the defense. Oh wait
March 9th, 2026 at 6:02 pm
Heavye… you realize your are the only mentally challenged person on here, just blaming baker and only baker. God stupid looks dang good on you.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:02 pm
Mike left because he was more incensed by the retaining of Bowles than we were.
Evans is a legend and he knows the score!
Good luck and best wishes for success to Mike Evans!
March 9th, 2026 at 6:04 pm
Bum A$$$ bowels.
Keep him over 13
March 9th, 2026 at 6:05 pm
Canals, Coen & Evans, what do they have in common, they all left to have better QB’s! That’s the TRUTH of It!!!!
March 9th, 2026 at 6:07 pm
I could not agree more with Joe here. I just saw what Evans is reportedly signing for: 3 years $60.4 Million. Surely the Bucs could have offered a better contract. I think Mike’s departure is a direct reflection on the loss of confidence in the defense and the uncertainty of the coaching staff beyond 2026. I can’t say I blame him and now begin to wonder what the Bucs will do with Baker Mayfield and what Mayfield will do if the Bucs decide not to offer him an extension now.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:07 pm
I think when the Glazers decided to retain Bowles, that was it! It signaled the Glazers were not serious about contending. You can’t make that claim about the 49ers. It is a winning organization, and Shanahan is a great offensive coordinator and head coach. Mike is set for another Super Bowl run.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:07 pm
Lets be honest Evans wanted the opportunity to play for Shanahan. He is the ultimate play caller. and of course Evans wants away from a team that keeps Bowles despite 3 n 28 and 8 losses in a row
March 9th, 2026 at 6:07 pm
Dlavid Says:
Todd Bowles …. Was gifted this club and he has absolutely ruined it!!
^^^^^^^^^^^
Arians little stunt should live with us forever, too. A Super Bowl winning team. Cratered by Bowles … BUT … Licht chose to resign him. So, Licht is to blame too.
Licht just watched his first and best draft pick walk. That has to sting.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:07 pm
I can’t wait for people to whine and cry after baker signs his extention with the Bucs haha, lost Mike and now you are about to extend baker mayfield. Quit being a baby or go cheer on another team. Back to back years Mike has been hurt, he’s not worth 60 million for 3 years. I wish he would’ve took a more team friendly deal, but with Todd and this defense you can’t blame him
March 9th, 2026 at 6:08 pm
HeavyE Says:
March 9th, 2026 at 6:05 pm
Canals, Coen & Evans, what do they have in common, they all left to have better QB’s! That’s the TRUTH of It!!!! (And Munchie):
No they don’t.
Silly.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
Yeah this speaks volumes about the turd in the toilet bowl
March 9th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
So we going to use Mike’s money to sign an Edge or nah?
March 9th, 2026 at 6:11 pm
Waiting for JL to make something positive out of this….
……crickets…………..
March 9th, 2026 at 6:12 pm
Mike doesn’t believe in the teams direction. The “Franchise” QB. Or obviously the Head Coach he knows alot more about the team then we do and pretty much just told me to give up on this coming year already. Keeping Godwin seems pretty stupid right now….
March 9th, 2026 at 6:14 pm
@ exbrown. All three teams, went to the playoffs! What did our qb do but lose??? Silly!!! LMAO…….
March 9th, 2026 at 6:17 pm
If Mike thinks we suck…JOES…why should we believe?
JASON LICHT SUCKS AND STOP PROTECTING THAT LOSER
You are part of the problem guys.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:23 pm
Surely Adam will say we signed Hendrickson any minute
March 9th, 2026 at 6:24 pm
Should have tagged him.
Everyone forgets that 3rd and 28 was followed by 4th and 14.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:28 pm
HeavyE: Common man. We both know that one player — even the QB — cannot produce wins if he doesn’t have the other 21 guys doing the same (with the requisite coaching caliber).
Baker leaves it all on the field. He hasn’t proven himself to be the best, but I’ve followed him for good reason: He’ll never quit.
You and Rod blaming Baker is just silly. Baker, first a $4MM “prove it”, then a “$33MM “for the team”, with his pure leadership, work, dedication and commitment — is garbage, plain and simple.
The Bucs could be doing an awful lot worse in terms of QB. He could well be gone next year. Then you can celebrate (what?)!
March 9th, 2026 at 6:30 pm
I suspect that Mike will have a career year mostly because he will be playing for a head coach that isn’t afraid to score.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:30 pm
It’s BS, Mike has been in games that was worst than that. Not trying to hear that bs. Yall love to make up ish instead of the truth. He did not want to continue to play with BAKER. He knows Baker is not him and never will be. Now Mike nor the 49ers will win with Kyle, Brock and etc, that window was open and has been shut for the past two yrs no matter what
March 9th, 2026 at 6:31 pm
Other teams making some very nice moves
March 9th, 2026 at 6:33 pm
Gee, ya think?
March 9th, 2026 at 6:34 pm
Sorry to see you go Mike, but I certainly understand! Mike, you were one of, if not the best to ever wear a Bucs jersey. You were a true class act on and off the field. I’ve so many memories of you over the years, unfortunately 3 & 28 is the last 🙁
Good luck Mike!
“3rd & 28, 3rd & 28!”
March 9th, 2026 at 6:39 pm
Please stop with the 3rd and 28 … there was a 4th and 14 that followed that
March 9th, 2026 at 6:39 pm
What is Licht doing to improve Bucs Defense. That’s the million dollar question. Licht needs to bring in pass rushers.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:39 pm
Buc2Blame: The difference between Purdy and Mayfield is seen on tape. When Purdy is pressured, he folds. When Mayfield is pressured, he bakes.
Purdy and Trask are cut from the same cloth. Statues. Great throwing mechanics, but when the going gets rough, they can’t get it done.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:43 pm
Homerjmitc : LOL — I confused the two in a January post: “4th and 28”!
March 9th, 2026 at 6:46 pm
Yep its time to finish that bottle of Patron no way around it
March 9th, 2026 at 6:48 pm
This team will most likely enter full rebuild after this season. And Mike knew it.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:48 pm
Where is Hendrickson? Thats is what Bucs fans need to be worried about. Evans is gone, not on the team. I’m a Bucs fan first not an Evans fan over the Bucs. He made his decision, time to move on and quit crying. Oh and there is nothing we can do about Bowles and Licht this season. lol.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:51 pm
For us to have any chance of turning around this defense … WITH Todd still as dual-hatted our DC AND HC … is to restock this defense with some quality players. As a minimum, we NEED 2 new DT, 1 Edge, 3 ILBs, 2 CBs and 1 Safety. That’s a minimum of 9 free agent signees AND draft picks, all of whom need to be starter-capable.
Even IF we get 4 of those from the draft (picks from Rnds 1-4), we’ll still need at least 5 others in free agency. Thus far we’ve grabbed exactly ONE … ILB Alex Anzalone. He’s a definite upgrade over SVD, so kudos on that signing. The time to get the starter-capable UFAs is right now though, not 2 or 3 or 4 weeks from now.
March 9th, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Fire Todd
March 9th, 2026 at 6:59 pm
Licht has fumble the ball
The top free agent defensive players are gone
Hendrickson is still available
But he’s holding out for a mega deal
Or a one year deal in the $40 million range
March 9th, 2026 at 6:59 pm
This is on Bowles directly, 3rd and 28 and the fact his D has been way below average for a long, long time.
March 9th, 2026 at 7:00 pm
Rod Munch … ‘We took a $13M dead money cap hit with him leaving.’
Kudos Rod. Rod that the other day, but didn’t think anyone got it. THAT’S the bigger reason IMO why the Bucs were ‘desperate’ to re-sign Evans. Reality to me is that Mike had made his decision to leave based on a myriad of reasons. Our $11.3 mil of current CAP space just went POOF.
March 9th, 2026 at 7:01 pm
The Raiders has made the best moves in Free Agency
And it’s not even close
March 9th, 2026 at 7:02 pm
The ownership group that owns this team has made this team ineffective and no less than mpedant. It is time for them to pack there bags and FOOK OFF right along with their hand picked saboteur. What IS CRYSTAL CLEAR is that they either have NO IDEA of what these ladies are doing or they are consummate Self Defeatist with an addiction for LOOSING and making CHILDISH DECISIONS instead of cleaver and we’ll informed, mature, consummate WINNING decision making was by OZ behind the curtain and He left “back over” the Rainbow 4 years ago, while leaving ONLY the FLYING MONKEYS to run the organization.
The results ARE IN! The “Fandom” of a nice was a team that AT LEAST HAD HEART has SEEN ENOUGH! I (and I’m SURE many others), NOT ONLY WILL NOT BE investing into such a BLATANTLY BAD INVESTMENT of a football team to root for, I (and I’m SURE many others) WILL NOT AND DO NOT GUARANTEE MY FANDOM ANY LONGER to such a ridiculous waste of time, money, and loyalty, ESPECIALLY SINCE this PATHETIC OWNERSHIP GROUP DID NOT GUARANTEE ANY of the same to ANY OF US!
THIS IS A LOUSY PRODUCT! SO BAD AND UNPROFESSIONAL THAT THE MOST LOYAL AND DEDICATED PLAYER TO EVER GRACE THEIR SORRY A@@@@, WOULDN’T EVEN SLOW DOWN ON HIS WAY OUT OF THE DOOR! A MAN WHO ABSOLUTELY INTENDED TO FINISH HIS GLORIOUS CAREER WITH THE tampa bay organization AND YET THEY FOUND AWAY TO DISGUST AND ABSOLUTELY BREAK HIS HEART TO THE POINT OF DRINKING HIMSELF BLIND!
SCREW THIS pathetic organization! I OWE THEM EXACTLY WHAT THEY GAVE US IN THEIR HAND PICK BENEDICT ARNOLD! I OWE THEM NOTHING! THE EXACT SAME THAT THEY “GUARANTEED” ALL OF US THIS VERY YEAR! NOTHING!
I’M WITH YOU MIKE…
March 9th, 2026 at 7:06 pm
John Lynch is paying us back for ditching him late in his career
March 9th, 2026 at 7:08 pm
Who likes stats?
Here s a fun one. The bucs are 3-10 in games without Mike Evans.
Let that soak in. Especially for ya ll in the back that said’ he lost a step
And he s not that good. With that garbage defense and inconsistent
Offensive they ll picking in the top 6 next year.
I dont blame him. Anyone with half a brain can see the bad locker
Room vibes throughout the season.
March 9th, 2026 at 7:10 pm
FortMyersDave … ‘This is on Bowles directly, 3rd and 28 and the fact his D has been way below average for a long, long time.’
Yes our Defense has been ‘way below average’ for 3 of the 4 years Bowles has been our HC, BUT … it’s not just Bowles. It’s also the talent level that we’ve been fielding, and especially the lack of DEPTH on defense.
This is the year to do most of the rebuilding on defense. And the majority of that rebuilding has to be with some quality UFAs who are starter-capable.
ILB Alex Anzalone who signed today is a good start. Now we NEED a beastly DT (to replace Hall or Gaines), a starter Edge (to replace Reddick), a starter CB (to replace Dean), & a depth Safety (Izien would be nice). Then in the draft a beastly NT/DT (to pair with & ultimately replace Vea), 2 ILBs (this is the year of the ILB), plus 1 CB, all in the Top-4 Rnds.
March 9th, 2026 at 7:12 pm
New cheer for RayJay….
Toilet>>>>
<<<<BOWLES!!!!
March 9th, 2026 at 7:18 pm
The TV network showed ME13 going out of his mind on the sidelines while the D gave away that game!!!!! I knew in my heart he would leave Tampa right then!!!!! I would not stay here as long as Bowles was leading this D and team either!!!!!!!!! It’s a sad day in Tampa. Dean and Evans…GONE!!!!
March 9th, 2026 at 7:22 pm
Bowzoball.
March 9th, 2026 at 7:23 pm
Defense Rules,
I’m sorry friend but you already know that your well thought out list Will Not Be addressed in any kind of timely manner. You also Already KNOW that Jason Licht has CLEARLY lost perspective. This battle was lost before it even started.
With Mike leaving, it signaled the beginning of the end of this ownership group. They (as I noticed you addressed just above) are simply trying to save face with a few insincere words to Mike, have MOST CERTAINLY made it Absolutely Crystal Clear that they ARE NOT IN IT TO WIN IT!
They will not instruct Jason Licht to fill that list you’ve carefully thought out. And Licht isn’t going to do it on his own. Licht simply isn’t that good. His focus is purely self absorbed. I’ve always appreciated your commentary for Years. But now, common sense simply isn’t lining up any longer with this organization..
We simply AREN’T in it to win it with this ownership, or the now lost, confused, and delusional with constant Lies,…GM. And we’re certainly not to be taken serious with whom these geniuses have running the show.
Like I said, I’ve Always appreciated your points of view (for the most part), but you’re simply kidding yourself if you actually believe “WINNING” I’d their intentions….
Keep on banging your head against the wall. They don’t care…..
March 9th, 2026 at 7:25 pm
I hate to be Mr Pessimistic
But if fans think the 3rd and 28 was bad last year
This season will be a whole lot worse on the defensive side of the ball
But, the good news is ……. there won’t be any 3rd and 28 this season
The bad news ……….there will be a lot of 2nd and 2
Alex Anzalone isn’t enough to help this defense
He was good with Detroit, but he had a helluva DLine in front of him
Oh well
We have to wait and see
March 9th, 2026 at 7:27 pm
40 million for Hendrickson. He can play in the Bowzo Mumbo Jumbo Defense.
March 9th, 2026 at 7:34 pm
I feel bad for the rest of the team, who after “PROVING” that they didn’t want to be here anymore last year, probably feel about waisting their limited time, this year!
And how sad they must be feeling about the new DC and head coach, this year.. I have a Very Strong feeling that only contracts are keeping what’s left of the rest of the best, here at all….
How embarrassing for them and heart breaking to Actually Know, that this ownership group has no intentions of winning in Any kind of realistic manner.
Geez… I am not pleased with waisting my time with these absentee owners…
March 9th, 2026 at 7:34 pm
Man. SO MANY of y’all are thru with this mess – for the umpteenth time – lol 😂
BUT you’ll all still be here whining, crying and complaining tomorrow, and next week and on and on….
March 9th, 2026 at 7:36 pm
Where is our edge rusher free agent Licht??
What the hell???
Only ones left are Hendricksen & Chubb…
THATS FREAKEN IT!!!!!!
Don’t tell me you don’t have funds now since you didn’t sign ME13….
Let’s goooooooo!!
Get it done Licht!
We don’t wanna hear any freaken excuses this season on why we don’t have a pass rush…
March 9th, 2026 at 7:45 pm
Bozo Ball established as soon as the clown became a coach. I’m not sure why this sad example of an ownership group is doing this to us but I surely DO NOT forgive them for one second longer!
We Are OFFICIALLY BACK! Goodbye to the winning. Hello Den of the Depressed…
Well, I’m not guaranteeing my Fandom any longer because these people aren’t guaranteeing me or you ANYTHING, “EXCEPT” a legitimate opportunity to be completely embarrassed for another 10 YEARS STRAIGHT! OR….
Until they finally sell the team to an owner who actually WANTS TO Win. These people got to go asap…
The only thing I can guarantee is NOT A PENNY! Not investing in the glazers vision of YEARS of losing anymore. Not the smart man’s choice.
March 9th, 2026 at 7:49 pm
Has Bowels been fired yet?
March 9th, 2026 at 7:50 pm
Tammy petty. You just need to KNOW that if I EVER happen to find out who you are….
I’m gonna say hello to you like you can’t believe. Honey I SURE want to meet you..
You keyboard women are so cute. Perhaps I’ll get my chance. It will definitely be a day you’ll never forget…
March 9th, 2026 at 7:52 pm
6 – 11, and then a total reset as season ticket holders bail on this sorry franchise
March 9th, 2026 at 7:54 pm
Would you guys put a lid on the CA taxes?
Mike has already made near 150 million for his career.
When he plays for the 49ers he would be charged 13.3% extra per home game. Away games are taxed by the state you are playing in.
Let’s say Mike made 10 million for 8 home games. If so he’d pay 1.3 million more than if he played in Florida. On the road it’s the same for everyone, so let’s call that a push.
During negotiations, Mike’s agent, unless he was a fool, asked for enough extra to cover that. A few million more isn’t gonna break anybody in the NFL.
In Tampa, do you think the Bucs were offering anywhere near a three year deal?
No and no!
Combine that with playing for ownership who doesn’t care about winning vs one who craves it, and Mike comes out ahead both financially and job enjoyment.
So quit the “Mike’s gonna get hit hard out there financially” B.S.