Mike Evans: I Was “Looking At Contenders; Guys With Good Quarterbacks”
March 12th, 2026
“Julio, I want to play for Shanahan like you did.”
As hard as it is to believe, former Bucs receiver Mike Evans is making some enemies across Buccaneers fandom.
Evans talked to 49ers media today and made it very clear that he wanted out of Tampa and was seeking a better football fit.
“First off, I did my research on a lot of teams that I was looking at. I was looking at contenders; guys with good quarterbacks, obviously,” Evans said. “So I was looking at here, Buffalo Bills, teams that needed a No. 1 wide reciever.
“I liked this this place [at San Francisco]; this was my No. 1 spot on my own. And then I talked to John [Lynch] and Kyle [Shanahan] and it solidified it for me.
Evans called it a “no-brainer” decision after talking to Shanahan.
Later in his news conference, Evans clarified that because the 49ers “always compete” and were “one piece away,” he wanted to play for them. And he thinks “I’m that piece.”
Joe hopes Baker Mayfield is soaking all of this in.
Evans went on to say he likes money but was willing to not prioritize money to sign with the 49ers. “It was just football and something that I can be excited about.”
Evans added that the 49ers and their great tradition and home crowds are the “second wind” of his career.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:11 pm
I don’t give a cr@p about what Evans did and why. The guy’s a traitor as far as I’m concerned and my hope of all hopes is for the Bucs to make the playoffs while Evans sits at home with a 49ers team that once again, devastated by injuries, doesn’t make it to the playoffs.
Screw Evans. Time to move on to what we have and the players that actually want to be Bucs.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:11 pm
He would have been a good fit with us
If he could have stayed healthy and caught the ball
We need dependable players
March 12th, 2026 at 8:12 pm
Damn Mike really wanted outta here. Shocked he is saying some of the things he is saying as he usually takes the high road but Baker and some of his old teammates can’t be happy seeing these quotes
March 12th, 2026 at 8:13 pm
Burning bridges. Not a good idea. Losing my appreciation of Mike.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:13 pm
He wasn’t doing us any good in the Hot Tub
We needed him on the football field
March 12th, 2026 at 8:13 pm
Sounds about right, the Bucs were the best team in the worst division with loads of talent that was poorly coached outside of Coen, it’s wash rinse repeat every year with Bowles, no consistency other than consistently getting beat by late round and backup QBs, new OC every year and a guaranteed 4 game losing streak each season, not hating just facts
March 12th, 2026 at 8:13 pm
I don’t begrudge him. Baker may be better than Purdy but Mac Jones is a superior back up to bridgewater and browning combined. Lynch/Shanahan are better than Licht/Bowles. 49ers have been better contenders and are closer than the Bucs. Evans endured the bad years and got a Super Bowl ring and last few years have been barely above mediocre. He has made enough money and now he wants glory. Bowles isn’t the answer in Mikes mind. I’ll also add that if Baker has a bad year he will sign a very low contract with the Bucs for 1-2 years or be playing elsewhere.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:14 pm
Check back in 3 years and see stats vs injuries. Maybe JL will be justified.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:14 pm
31 yards, 31 yards, 34 yards. THAT was his totals in his final 3 games
March 12th, 2026 at 8:15 pm
Sucks that he left, but it happens. Jerry Rice left the 49ers, Sapp left the Bucs.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:17 pm
Don’t h8 on a guy that gave us 12 great seasons with some $hitty QBs. He is just do my PR for the SF media.
HOWEVER- in SF, there is a rumor that there’s a nearby power plant next to the training grounds that causes the 49ers to become susceptible to injury
March 12th, 2026 at 8:17 pm
He’s making it hard for his family to be in public in Tampa. Suddenly not a pros pro. I guess he’s really unhappy with how things transpired
March 12th, 2026 at 8:17 pm
Evans isn’t wrong in his reasons for seeking a “better fit* and Buc fans shouldn’t be hating on him for doing so. Evans himself however shouldn’t be saying anything about home crowds when how else are fans supposed to show their discontent for the mediocre product the owners on down send out to the field but by not attending home games?
March 12th, 2026 at 8:18 pm
I hope these quotes from Evans are going to be used by leaders on the Bucs to light a fire under the entire team.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:19 pm
Let’s see if this teams got any balls whatsoever or they fold again. This should be infuriating for baker.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:21 pm
We will see who has the last laugh when Mike injures his hamstring again, misses 8 games, and catches 30 passes
March 12th, 2026 at 8:21 pm
Everything he said is true 👍
March 12th, 2026 at 8:25 pm
Remember when Bowles put the playoffs on the line so he could get 1000 yds? And he repays thim like this. Screw that frontrunner, he’s dead to me.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:26 pm
Funny how once the contract is signed he has a lot of bad things to say about Bucs. Maybe Todd is pissed now risking a game for his 1000 yard season. Some how I think this relates to his 2 year deal and EE getting drafted. Whatever, have some class and don’t blame your QB and fans Mike. Just say you needed a change. Not that hard.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:26 pm
He was unhappy with the Bucs because they were bringing in young guys to replace him. It don’t take a Rocket Scientist to see the writing on the wall.
The Bucs drafted JMac in the 3rd round in 2024
They re-signed Chris Godwin March 2025
They drafted Emeka Egbuka in the first round in 2025
Then drafted Tez Johnson in the 7th round in 2025
And they didn’t offer him an extension
If they were so in love with him, they could have tagged him
Bottom Line
They wanted him out
March 12th, 2026 at 8:28 pm
Guys, we can lie and say anything we want to make ourselves feel better. Truth is that our team is not any type of draw for anyone looking to win.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:30 pm
I don’t see why Buc fans should be angry!!. Give him credit he is being honest. San Fran has all those things and it is clear he felt the Bucs organization was not trying to win. He is not throwing anyone under the bus, but is acknowledging he had made up his mind that leaving was best for him. Where his mind began to doubt is the question. When he returned from his injury he was definitely determined to ignite fire in the team you could see it. The Atl game his attitude was through the roof. He had an incredible night but yep 3-28 happened. In my opinion that may have been the final straw to other things that had been going on. I don’t know but obviously a lot of things were telling him that the organization was going backwards
I think the fans should be angry but not at Mike. The organization is to blame. They could have extended him last year. They did not. They could have shored up a pathetic defense they did not. My guess is in the off season they did not convince him they were going to do anything different than what they are doing now. Please take a look, do they look like they are making moves to win next year, I don’t. I agree with Joe. They are a worse team now than they were a few days ago. Mike saw what was coming and decided to he was not going backwards.
Mike loved the Bucs and I am sure he did not want to leave but believed he had no other choice.
Don’t blame Mike!!! Wake up to this team
March 12th, 2026 at 8:32 pm
Mike Evans saw staying with the Bucs was a losing proposition so he opted to sign with the 49ers. Time was running out for him so he bailed.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:34 pm
True colors…shining through? Meh…
The Bucs absolutely catered to him in 2024…including taking unnecessary risks at missing the playoffs…to keep his 1000 yard season streak alive. He was treated well in Tampa and was asked to comeback.
I’ve never liked the 49ers and I will certainly be rooting against them in 2026. They’re the 3rd best team in their division let alone the NFC.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:34 pm
“Joe hopes Baker Mayfield is soaking all of this in”
Lmaoooooo
Baker isn’t going to do squat about what Mike said, but try to take the high road.
What’s he going to do, “check” Mike Evans?
As the old man from “Friday” said, “he gon cry in the car” lol
March 12th, 2026 at 8:37 pm
Psshh no enemy made here, Joe. I fully understand it. These are the wages of bad management. Shouldn’t have hired him after Arians. Shoulda fired him for Coen. Shoulda fired him after the Failure with the Falcons. And now we get to reap the rewards of it. The only persons who made me their enemy was the Glazers. Cheap assery always loses.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:38 pm
It was time to cut ties. Obviously he made up his mind way before Monday. Too bad he followed the Rashad white media model.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:39 pm
F#ck him, he’s a traitor to the franchise that made him.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:41 pm
Hmmm, Mike makes it sound like it was not just Bowles and Grizz, he kind of is throwing Baker under the bus. Granted the healthy Baker got things done and when Baker was healthy, Evans was not except for the first 3 games and besides the ATL game where he blew up, his stats were meh. Down the stretch he was probably frustrated as he was not a key compoinenet in that enemic offense which was probably dictated by Bowels as he said he kind of started helping out on the O as Grizz got over his head. Mike got fed up, but he is not the player he was back in 2020, he has gotten very old. Even in his 132 yard ATL game he only caugfht 6 of 12 targets. Perhaps Evans ego got the best of hm, father time wins all races and maybe Evans has lost a step. I wish him well in SF, especially when they play Carolina but you can bet he will miss multiple games because of that hamstring.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:41 pm
I’m over it f em…. He lost more than a step the last couple years let’s see Godwin and Embuka
If they’d get this damn defense fixed we will be ok
March 12th, 2026 at 8:41 pm
Let’s not dwell on this kind of thing
March 12th, 2026 at 8:42 pm
He’s tarnished his loyalty to the franchise that always believed in him.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:42 pm
wanted team with good quarterback because Baker sucks!
March 12th, 2026 at 8:43 pm
I listened to the whole press conference and I heard nothing critical that pointed specifically to Baker or any other one person. I heard that the 49ers are consistent contenders and that they always compete hard. I heard that Shanahan is a great play caller. I heard that the 49ers were a great organization and that Levi Stadium was a great venue with great fans that 100% support their team. I heard him say that Purdy was very professional and that in watching him play he thought to himself that he could be very helpful to him. He was very complimentary to George Kittle. He also said that he thinks he could be the missing piece to put the 49ers over the top. Reading between the lines all in all it was more an indictment on the Bucs organization and operation as a whole at least as presently constituted. My take listening to Mike Evans is that while this past season was a major disappointment, he apparently has a very short memory. It was 5 years ago that the Bucs won the Superbowl and 4 years ago they almost made it back to the big show again followed by three more seasons where they at least made the playoffs with a playoff win in 2023. How many teams did better in that time span?
March 12th, 2026 at 8:44 pm
Not a slam at Baker at all imo. Mike has come to understand, like the majority of fans, that this team is not a contender under Bowles. And don’t believe he’s alone in that locker room understanding that fact as well.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:44 pm
Evans last 3 games as a Buc: 10 catches on 18 targets, under 100 yards. That is what Mike wanted as a stat line for one game not 3. Case and point why he wanted out along with 3rd and 28.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:45 pm
He left because of Todd and this garbage defense – obviously sick and tired of bad coaching.
#Apathy
March 12th, 2026 at 8:47 pm
Good for Mike! He is a superstar hall of famer. It will add to his legacy going to another team and making an impact.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:47 pm
Well it wasn’t about money because the Bucs offered him more. He made his choice so as a Bucs fan, time to move on. I don’t wish him bad luck, just that he is not a Buc anymore and I don’t give a damn about him or the reason he left. Besides his injury situation last year made him a non factor. It’s not going to get better for him in SF.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:48 pm
I’ll always love ME13.
He probably saw the handwriting on the wall here. Emeka will be the new #1 very soon whether Evans stays or goes. The Bucs almost certainly didn’t offer three years, and really, with Godwin, J-Mac and Emeka, how could they?
That and 3rd and 28, of course. I know I would have more faith in Shanahan than Bowles, and I LIKE Bowles.
That said, don’t be mad at Mike. Of course he’s gotta give flowers to the 49ers while talking to the SF press.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:48 pm
He left because he had no choice, but to leave
The Bucs didn’t really offer him an extension
March 12th, 2026 at 8:49 pm
“Evans last 3 games as a Buc: 10 catches on 18 targets, under 100 yards. That is what Mike wanted as a stat line for one game not 3. Case in point why he wanted out along with 3rd and 28.“
You think playing in a passing offense that turned the ball once for every TD pass thrown had nothing to do with it? Not even a little bit? That Dolphins game was especially terrible
March 12th, 2026 at 8:52 pm
Give this man some grace. He gave us his best and he’s trying to solidify his HOF career. he deserves it… Just like Brady
March 12th, 2026 at 8:52 pm
I’ve never wanted the Bucs to make the playoffs and 49ers crap the bed and miss them more in my life!! To quote Michael Corleone…”Never take sides with anyone againt the family again…ever”
March 12th, 2026 at 8:53 pm
Now I really feel let down. Oh well. He’s gone. Can’t wait for the draft. No WR at number one please. Be interested in seeing who they go for.
March 12th, 2026 at 8:55 pm
Should have retired as a Buc
March 12th, 2026 at 8:56 pm
I’m happy for Mike
I wish him and his family nothing but the best
But this is a business, and things can get pretty ugly
I hope he go to San Fran and ball out
But at the same time, I’m excited for the comp pick we get for losing him
March 12th, 2026 at 8:56 pm
As Bob Seger said, “Turn the page.”
March 12th, 2026 at 8:57 pm
Why are we posting about a washed up 49er? This is a site for Buccaneer football.
Dude was hurt when we needed him most then he comes back and has one good game 3rd and 28 well how about you get open once in a while instead of throwing your teammates under the bus.
We signed a pass rusher today lots of Buccaneer football to cover!
Let’s stop posting articles about the 49ers who we beat in case anybody doesn’t remember.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:02 pm
Y’all are soft.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:04 pm
The main thing he said was “Contenders.” As long as Bowles is here the Bucs will never be SB Contenders. When he got to the tunnel he exploded. 3rd and 28. He was done. He wanted to be with a Contender and he knew organization will not be to finish his career.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:05 pm
Sorry, the last two years you could see his frustration. I saw him route running and it wasn’t impressive, he had lost a step and he wasn’t creating enough separation. He was frustrated and as a fan living outside of Florida, so was I. About the fans, the one’s that go to RayJay or don’t, I wish you guys would learn how to attend games without giving up your tickets. It’s embarrassing to watch a game from Tampa with so many opposing jerseys. This doesn’t happen in Pittsburgh or New England and so on and so on. So many teams never have this problem.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:05 pm
I don’t necessarily disagree with what he said. I don’t think he meant to imply Mayfield was a bad QB, that was just one of his criteria. I know a lot of fans are mad but the truth hurts sometimes. People forget what a great teammate and team friendly guy Mike was when it came to contract extensions.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:08 pm
Mike has moved on. Time everyone should do the same. The 49ers can deal with the hamstring injuries now.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:10 pm
This all would have been avoided had we not brought back Bowels. What was JL and ownership thinking? This reminds me of the last year Bowels was with the Jets and how he sent that team down to no return. They have yet to recover from it. I just can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel with this one. I hope I’m wrong. Anywho Go Bucs!
March 12th, 2026 at 9:12 pm
“Mike Evans is making some enemies across Buccaneers fandom.”
.
.
Nonsense. Looking for a team with a good quarterback AND is a contender doesn’t mean he is throwing shade at Mayfield, because last year we were far from contenders, and most of it had nothing to do with Baker.
If we are contenders this season, it will only be because Licht and Bowles happened to hit on a lucky combination of free agents and rookies for the defense. That is not a foreseeable outcome.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:14 pm
It’s almost guaranteed that Baker is taking this hard (and personally). Combine that with the fact that he’s in a contract year.
So you all pretty much know who you can expect to see when the season opens. Mayfield with his hair on fire.
Regardless of whether or not he’s here or not after next season, Baker is going to guarantee you are entertained.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:15 pm
I mean, all of that was the obvious. Money played ZERO role whatsoever, in his decision. You would have to be delusional, deaf, blind, dumb, and living in an alternate universe or reality then, to not be able to comprehend the reasons for why he left. Either that, or you are just a stone cold LIAR, and your EGO won’t allow YOU to admit it. He just wanted OUT. He could see the writing on the wall, just as I’ve been telling you people all along. It’s nothing personal. It’s just the TRUTH of the current situation under THIS Bucs regime. It’s a sinking ship and he wanted OFF. Hell, you can’t blame HIM for that! It just is what is. And, YOU would do the exact same thing, if you could and were in HIS shoes.. 💯
March 12th, 2026 at 9:16 pm
I wish Mike the best and hope he’s wildly successful.
I just hope we’re a little more wildly successful!!
He did his homework and decided SF was one of the places he wanted to go. Most people, unless their looking for a fast-food job, do their homework on where they’d like to go next, lol. Why would Mike be any different?
He talked with Lynch and Shanahan. Well, Shanahan does have a pretty good reputation. Just sayin’…
It’s Florida. It’s got to stink to be a Bucs player and go out onto the home field late in the season and see and hear half the stadium rooting for the visiting team because they all came down from the north to get out of the cold for a couple of days. I would think that wears on you after a while. I doubt they have that problem in SFO.
I blame Mike primarily for this whole situation. It was his decision to leave.
But I also blame Jason, Todd and the Glazers for a series of missteps and dumb decisions over the past couple of years that majorly contributed to it.
This was a guy who publicly stated two years ago that he wanted to be a Buc for life.
Jason? Todd? Glazers? Are you listening? You kind of screwed up.
Mike thinks he has a better chance at another ring in SFO. And a better shot at a more predominant role in the offense.
I’m heartbroken he left, but it is a business. You can’t blame the guy for going where he thinks he has a better chance of achieving his goals.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:19 pm
baker had three seasons to prove himself that’s more than any other team gave him- mike thinks purdy is better and he’s probably right
March 12th, 2026 at 9:25 pm
Don’t want him in the RoH. Going out classless like this was not expected. 70K fans were in that stadium praying for Mike to get one more shot against NO and went nuts when Bowles helped him get it and put the playoffs on the line to help their guy out. Mike giving a big FU to those same fans on his way out. Greedy dude got his stats and his must million $ bonus and tuned out all these lifeline fans that loved him. FU dude and I hope u fail miserably in San Fran.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:25 pm
We’ll see what the hamstring thinks about that
March 12th, 2026 at 9:27 pm
When your first ballot Hall of Famer bails, that tells you all you need to know about the state of this team. And the Glazers just turned a blind eye.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:34 pm
It’ll be fun watching Mike in the playoffs and actually winning games.
Meanwhile in Tampa, Bowels has run the pirate ship aground.
No one wants to play for him except for journey men and paycheck players.
#SuperBowles
March 12th, 2026 at 9:35 pm
I think what is irking us the most is that ME13 is saying he left because of us, the fans.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:36 pm
@ exBrowns02 – Yep. He and his wife are both, freaking TF OUT right about now. Especially, with the importance of next season, being in his contract year. Has to be VERY disappointing. It’s a bit of an indictment on HIMSELF, at the very least. I said this the other day, when the news broke. He better have a career year, that’s FOR SURE. Or, he’ll be in big BIG trouble. There will only be just a handful or so teams, who will even be ‘looking’ for QB’s in the first place. And, most all of those will be looking to fill this need in the LOADED 2027 Draft-Class. They are NOT going to be so enthusiastic about committing longterm, and PAYING ‘BIG-BUCKS’ for any aging, beat-up, inconsistent, middle-of-the-road QB with a losing record, & etc. They’re just not.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:36 pm
Do they do a trade in program for Jerseys would love to trade in my Evans jersey for a Godwin jersey. At least Godwin stuck by the team even when offered more money. Could have went to a better patriots team but was loyal to the Bucs and the fans. It’s one thing to leave but it’s another thing to take shots at your former team and fan base. Especially with how much the community and fans embraced Evans.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:37 pm
It actually almost sounds better now if the big reason he left for Brock Purdy and a much tougher division is that he didn’t get that 2-3 year contract to be “Buc for life” he wanted and the drafting of EE thus creating a loaded WR room.
It wasn’t about the $’s, but it was about the #’s. The yards/catches/TD #’s. And the list-climbing in those respective categories that needs to happen for the 1st ballot HoF resume and legendary receiver status Mike wants.
That sure sounds better than the Baker implication and fanbase stuff (no shoutout of appreciation and an indirect diss)
March 12th, 2026 at 9:38 pm
Just like seeing the virgin Mary in a turd people can spin whatever they want out of what somebody says. You bash the guy for saying what YOU have been saying all along? He said what so many people here have been saying, and he knows better than anyone of us, that this organization didn’t look as committed to winning as SF did to him. He didn’t bash Tampa Bay fans, he commented on SF fans. And it really doesn’t matter what he says, the only thing that should matter to us is if this club can move forward and win games, that’s all I care about and I hope that’s all the team cares about. ME was great for us and always will be but it’s another day. Keep fond memories of what he has done and let’s not forget that for most of his years here this franchise has blown chow. How many different QB’s did he catch passes from? And we talk about Mayfields number of OC’s?
March 12th, 2026 at 9:41 pm
Wow, I just can’t get enough articles about a former player and the reasons why he left for the 10th time! Good stuff!
March 12th, 2026 at 9:44 pm
Interesting how some people draw conclusions with no evidence. Mike intimated nothing critical about Baker. It’s possible that he now absolutely has no respect for Baker as a QB, but he said nothing in that press conference that indicates that. When he re signed with the Bucs in 2024, he said Baker was a big reason why he did. Some people just love to stir up controversy when there’s nothing there. As Fonzie once said “Bull makes the world go round”.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:44 pm
How could ANYONE blame Mike Evans for leaving for a Better opportunity.
He devoted 12 years of his career helping the club,
The reality is that 0-7 going into the last game of 2025 and he knows what it’s like inside OBP… stuff that the Joes can only guess about.
Okay….
Name the studs on this rosy
Okay name the brilliant coaching
Okay name the brilliant GM
Feces and flies folks
Baker is gonna jump ship this time next year
How the PHUCK can you not see this????
March 12th, 2026 at 9:44 pm
Don’t personally have any problem with anything he’s said. He didn’t say baker sucks or anything, but that he wanted to be on a contender that yes.. also has a good qb (like here? Minus the contender part?). Evans isn’t blind and can see this isn’t a Superbowl team that’s a piece away. 3rd and 28…. I don’t think San Fran is one piece away either but they’re competitive every year lately
March 12th, 2026 at 9:46 pm
I like Egbuka, Tez, JMac and the young WRs we draft
And Godwin has a few more years in him
March 12th, 2026 at 9:46 pm
Ummm, they fo have a GrrrrrREAT Tradition, and a ‘NATIONAL’ fanbase because of it!!!! There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with saying that… Because, it is the obvious TRUTH. It’s amazing how some people’s egos will allow them to be offended by THAT, and to get their ‘feelings’ hurt. Look… NO PLAYER is leaving ANYWHERE, due to “The Fans.” PLEASE. Come on. ESPECIALLY, someone like Mike, who has probably had his ass KISSED HARDER by THIS fanbase, than what any other player has, IN THE ENTIRE LEAGUE. I mean, come on. Be REAL.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:47 pm
He was Baker’s #1 always. Baker will do everything he can to vindicate himself.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:47 pm
12:46 Blue Mountains Scenic World, Australia
Following JBF from down under…
March 12th, 2026 at 9:51 pm
One thing for sure
Jason Licht didn’t spend a 1st round pick on Egbuka to be WR3
Mike or Chris had to go
March 12th, 2026 at 9:52 pm
Mike was royalty in Tampa Bay. San Francisco will not be as loving — and forgiving.
Sorry, but I think that Mike both made his future more difficult and left himself a little bit of stain on his legacy by quitting the franchise that enabled his fame and fortune. He left a lot of broken hearts in the wake of his move.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:53 pm
His comment isn’t that bad.
He’s not saying we don’t have a QB. He’s saying we aren’t a contender. Which we aren’t
March 12th, 2026 at 9:54 pm
Mike Evans said a lot of nice things about his new employers which is fine and no one can make the argument that the 49ers are not a great organization. However, he showed a lot of disrespect for an organization that he left behind that made it possible for him to get a Superbowl ring and have been competitive in the last five out of six seasons.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:55 pm
There is ONLY ONE reason for why any STUD WR is ‘walking away’ from a TRUE STUD Franchise-QB… And, that is ONLY over $$$MONEY$$$. Other than that alone, you’re not doing it. Mike didn’t leave FOR THE MONEY. So, what should that tell you then, IF you didn’t already know!?
March 12th, 2026 at 9:55 pm
Derrick brooks could have chased dollars but he chased life in the city of Tampa after the bucs had to move on. Brooks can get what ever he want from Tampa or the league because he knows what loyalty is and how to respect it.. this why a lot of players not in the hall of fame
March 12th, 2026 at 9:55 pm
There was no way Mike was coming back – the day we gave Godwin the contract and picked EE, he knew this was his last year. We could have fired Bowles and have Josh Allen throwing the ball he still was not going stay – he knew Bucs were done with him.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:57 pm
Beeej Says:
March 12th, 2026 at 8:14 pm
31 yards, 31 yards, 34 yards. THAT was his totals in his final 3 games.
Is that Mike’s fault of Baker’s fault?
Maybe that is why Mike left, for a good QB.
March 12th, 2026 at 9:57 pm
Mike had many conversations with Tom Brady about this very thing at the end of his career.
Mike ABSOLUTELY made the best decision for the remainder of his career!
March 12th, 2026 at 9:58 pm
Good for him. Baker is a gunslinger. Baker puts us in a lot of bad situations
March 12th, 2026 at 9:59 pm
Seems like he’s just stating the obvious. Of course he wanted to go to a team with a good quarterback that was a Super Bowl contender.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:00 pm
Evans just closed a door that can’t be reopened. If he loved football more than money he would of stayed in Tampa.. bucs gotta sign Arron Rodger’s to give baker competition and to sell tickets.. I think Rodger’s can do what Brady did 5 years later
March 12th, 2026 at 10:01 pm
He absolutely showed ZERO “disrespect.” That’s the problem with some of you all. Like, I just said. It’s a YOU-problem. YOU are just taking it that way, and making it PERSONAL. Like, it is directed at YOU. It is NOT. Again, it is all about YOUR OWN EGO, that is to blame for this. NOT MIKE. I just cannot understand HOW anyone could ever allow themselves, to get THEIR ‘feelings’ hurt, and be offended by a ‘PROFESSIONAL’ ATHLETE!? It’s amazing to me. I can’t comprehend it as an ADULT.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:02 pm
Next topic…
March 12th, 2026 at 10:05 pm
Mike needed a change. We have no one to blame but our sh1t head coach and a GM (whom I like and think is well above average) who decided not to get rid of Todd. We fire Todd last year or this year and hire an upgrade, we probably keep Mike. BTW he’s not talking crap about Baker, he similarly saying what he was looking for in his new crib. Home crowds do suck at Ray J, it’s embarrassing. 3rd and 28 changed it all and we decided to stick with the Defensive Play calling HC who allowed it. Not the first time and it won’t be the last. This will be Todd’s last year though, unless we get Crosby and/ or kill the draft and find 4 studs ILB, DL, EDGE, and TE or another LB. I’m a fan, I love and respect Mike and I’m happy for him.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:08 pm
Lotta hypocrites around here. Mike says what you think, or have written here, and suddenly he’s a traitor?
If that be the case, what are you?
Firm believers in the double standard?
People change jobs, but few are willing to tell the truth why they did so. Mike was honest, far better than the standard, “Baker was great … Bowles was my fav coach … I loved Jason Licht …”
Blah, blah, blah.
Is that what you wanted to hear, the same old crap?
Mike was pissed, like many of us at where we think this team is headed. Give the guy some credit for telling the truth about what he was thinking.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:08 pm
Will. You need to listen to last nights Ira Kaufman podcast. The Sage of Tampa Bay is also a hall of fame selector. And last night he said don’t expect Mike to get in on the first ballot. Said something like- that ain’t happening. He did say that he would eventually get in.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:10 pm
Anyone defending Mike right now isn’t a Bucs fan—they’re a Mike Evans fan. I was a fan long before he got here. I have always rooted for the name on the front of the jerseys, not the back. Hes a 49er now he’s the enemy…. Hope the Hamstring is completely shot and the 49ers just wasted 15 million…
March 12th, 2026 at 10:10 pm
@Lakeland Since he has over ten years in the max pick is a 5th rounder. Can still find a decent player there.
How the worm has turned in general sentiment from Buccaneer for life or bust to, well this. Looking at this objectively, aging player that has become injury prone. While he may play, his play is affected by injuries. Still can play like a superstar but not as consistently and on the downside of his career. I feel the Bucs made a quality offer for him but he was ready to move on which is fine. He actually foreshadowed that he was leaving for some time. Barring injuries I believe our young receivers will step up and still be a strength of this team. They need a more balanced offense though as well as a rebuilt defense.
My primary disappointment is the lack of movement to sign quality FA which could help this team. BUT uncharacteristically they have been unable to retain their own free agents. Hard to get new high quality FA when the rats are jumping ship.
Finally, disappointed in the lack of class from #13. Didn’t release a goodbye statement to the fans that supported him as well as his charity. The comments he made could have been worded differently to not throw shade on his old team. Glad he has to change his number.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:12 pm
@ Glazerthoughts – I know this is saying A LOT here, but YOU MUST BE the ‘dumbest’ person on this site. SERIOUSLY, then. If YOU are still incapable of comprehending, and have yet to figure-out that the reason Mike left, had absolutely NOTHING TO DO ABOUT MONEY… Then, I don’t know what else to tell YOU!? No one can. HE literally took LESS MONEY. Waaaayyy LESS. LoL.
Then, throw-in there that YOU literally just said, that YOU BELIEVE that AARON RODGERS could do the exact same thing here, that BRADY DID LMAO. I mean, you cannot be ANY dumber than THAT. You obviously don’t have even the FIRST clue as to what in THE HELL you’re talking about. Did you even watch HIM PLAY last season!? Come on, Man. GTFO
March 12th, 2026 at 10:13 pm
Mike Evans is still a class act I don’t get the hate seems kinda immature but to each their own I guess hope you continue to do well Mike you gave us some epic memories in Tampa lot of ups and downs but you always did it with class.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:16 pm
Congratulations Mike on a great career and being smart to get out of here with your dignity. Even the crap soft players are getting away from this crap show the owners gm and coaches are garbage here in fact zyon said to tb last season he was bored and if you noticed all we sign is old garbage on one year deals. Here’s something to discuss Tony dungy is available again he can get the OGs together again Mike Tomlin Herm edwards and guide this team back to hard hitting great players again and give all of us fans something to be proud of again! We’ll nice thoughts but the nfl is done we have a crap soft commissioner and swifties as fans horrible halftime shows high prices 15 pay channels to watch a game. Oh well at least in the 70s they tried to win! Then dungy made us winners this is a great year to not spend a penny on the bucs going to games buying merchandise or paying on TV to see bozo and the over paid bored players being hurt all season they all have injuries or concussions hers a idea get better equipment and go back to playing real football like we all did growing up! We’re not far away from it becoming the NFFL national flag football league. Go Bucs 2027 and welcome new coaches bye 2026!
March 12th, 2026 at 10:17 pm
Rodgers hasn’t WON ANYTHING, since he was in HIS 20’s. Seriously. 15+YEARS. Other than, a few MVP’s. He hasn’t even BEEN TO a Super Bowl, SINCE.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:17 pm
All I remember Evans doing is dropping the ball on Sunday and Monday night games throughout his entire career. Let him go get smacked by Seattle twice a year.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:19 pm
Loved Mike while he was here but players have no loyalty to teams. This just in. Evans tweaked a hamstring during the press conference and is out indefinitely. Ha!
March 12th, 2026 at 10:20 pm
Looks like ME was able to get through the entire press conference without tweaking his hammy!
March 12th, 2026 at 10:23 pm
@ Josh – I’m NOT rooting for Mike. I couldn’t give a sh!t LESS about why HE does from here on out. 💯 Absolutely, do NOT care. I wish him well, and look forward to the day of his HOF acceptance speech, when he goes into the Hall as a Tampa Bay BUC.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:23 pm
People are mad because he said he wanted to go to a contender and be the main target??? Brady did the same thing and never made it about his wants until he left…. Evans is doing the same thing. Evans can see it written all over the wall and knows what happened behind the scenes last year. He wants an offensive coach that will put him in spots to 1000% succeed. The Bucs are in a worse spot than everyone thought and Evans just ripped the cover off of it. 2026 is gonna be a wild sh&t show in Tampa with a lot of losses incoming!
March 12th, 2026 at 10:27 pm
Hahahahahaha he went where he will preserve his ability to gain 1k yards because of an empty wr room. Nothing more. SF isnt even the 3rd best in its division. I wish him the best of luck getting his tons of targets on a mediocre team. Cheers for all the great years Mike! Good luck in mediocrity to end your career because SF isn’t 1 piece away lmfao.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:28 pm
@ Jabber – Oh, is that right… REALLY!? That is ALL you remember LoL. Shew, I’m tellin ya, man. The egos here. A bunch of little ADULT crybabies, got their little feelings hoit. Awwww. Lmfaoooo. Over a focking ‘PROFESSIONAL’ ATHLETE, People. Hahahah it’s soooo hilarious. It’s actually, VERY SAD. For them. It must really HAVE TO suck.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:33 pm
It’s a GD GAME. Entertainment for US. It’s a ‘BUSINESS’ for THEM. If you haven’t figure that part out yet!? Get OVER-IT. Grow TF UP and move on. It’s NOT ABOUT YOU. You are irrelevant. YOU and YOUR ‘feelings’ don’t matter.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:34 pm
It’s unbelievable that these people are “upset” (lol) over THIS. It’s mind blowing.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:39 pm
I have no problem with anything he said until he took a shot at the fans. I know our stadium is often overtaken by the opposing team. Thats the reality of living in paradise weather wise. Not many people wanna take a weekend trip to fuggin Detroit or Philadelphia to watch an away game. That was a slap in the face to any of us who paid good money to support this team and watch his career go. Good luck and good riddance.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:41 pm
I mean, to BLAME MIKE for wanting TF OUT of this total Clown/S-Show, is just absolutely ABSURD. And, is on soooo many levels.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:41 pm
50yearbucfan Says:
March 12th, 2026 at 10:16 pm
^^^^^^^
I concur. You sure sound a lot like orlbucfan.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:44 pm
He NEVER “took a shot” at OUR fans. Again, just as I stated above… That would be a YOU-Problem. YOU have allowed YOURSELF to be offended, due to YOUR OWN EGO.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:48 pm
MelJr: Ease up on the additive Bro.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:49 pm
@ Sal Volatile – I’m not sure I believe that, Sal. I’m pretty sure that “orlbucfan” will absolutely HATE MIKE now!!!! The old ‘lowercase’ orlbucfan is a VERY ‘thin-skinned’ BUCS FAN, who will take-it as a personal shot. I might be wrong, but I would bet on it.
March 12th, 2026 at 10:50 pm
Mike Evans showed 100% disrespect for the Bucs, not because he said such glowing things about the 49ers, but because he failed to say anything that showed his appreciation for the the Bucs organization and it’s fan base for the time he spent here which included a superbowl ring and a lot of love from the fans. It’s not personal for me, I don’t really care, but I think it’s important to point out boorish behavior by Mike in this instance. For you Melvin, I think you should ask yourself why you care so passionately about how other people feel about this. Adults don’t try to tell others how to feel. Maybe you have an EGO problem!
March 12th, 2026 at 10:59 pm
THIS franchise and current regime let you AND Mike down. 💯 NOT the other way around. Definitely, NOT Mike Evans. You canNOT blame HIM or any other player. Especially, at this point of Mike’s career. There has been NO ONE more ‘unselfish’ and LOYAL to this area and organization, than Mr. MIKE Freaking EVANS. Took LESS $$$$$ to play, when HE didn’t have to. ALWAYS, willing and DEMANDING to show up and PLAY, even when he didn’t have to. ALWAYS, willing to workout his contract in order to help THE TEAM. No one worked HARDER. No one was a BETTER TEAMMATE. Get over YOURSELF.
March 12th, 2026 at 11:00 pm
Mike is getting old in football years . He said what most of us see and have been barking about . The coach sucks ! The defense sucks ! The team over the last few seasons can barley win a crappy division and the owners just let this toilet todd fire everyone & did not fire the moron that can’t get his defense to play hard ! 3rd & 28 ! It started with the zero blitz ” hello kupp ” and ended for mike with 3rd & 28 . However , it did not end for us there . We have to watch this crap again in 2026 & unless our GM magically figures out how to draft edge rushers that can get after it right away , toilet bowl will screw this defense up again & say something like we got to play better & coach better . No chit genius ! It’s time to clean house and build it back again with guys that will not be out played or out coached ! Period .
March 12th, 2026 at 11:01 pm
He will in time. HE owes YOU absolutely NOTHING, Oscar. Get over yourself, dude. Are you a child!?:/
March 12th, 2026 at 11:05 pm
Fans are going to Fan.
Mike made a decision on what he felt was the direction of two franchises.
Mike Shannan is able to get production out of average talent. And still produce despite the injuries they face year in and year out.
The same cannot be said for Todd Bowles.
Playing Chris Godwin during the waning moments of Baltimore game last year destroying his football career in a game where they played MIKE EVANS and lost him to hamstring issue he was already playing on. Not a very strategic decision.
2-7 over the last 9 games of last year.
3rd and 28.
Bowles defense is beatable because 6-7 260 Defensive ends can’t cover in the flat or cover tight ends. Let alone over the hill linebackers and never was linebackers.#RetireLavonte
Bowles cant be trusted to have the players best interest at heart. Should have been fired, they would have fired him under any other circumstances but I think they viewed the talent pool for coaches as limited this time, Robert Salah again really?
Ultimately BUCS fans will remember the good times, and who know. Mike may realize what a lot of veterans players do, the grass is not always greener on the other side. If Bucs catch lightning in a bottle, and 49ers have to deal with Seattle and LA, he could regret going to 49ers.
He will always be the best buccaneer ever on offense, bar none. Nothing he does or doesn’t do in SF will change that. He will be welcomed with open arms when he retires. I wish him luck unless he plays us.
March 12th, 2026 at 11:13 pm
mike gonna have to start buying soap on a rope by the case 🙂
March 12th, 2026 at 11:15 pm
first buc fans felt betrayal…
the next phase is hatred…
it’s how humans process
March 12th, 2026 at 11:20 pm
His team is struggling, in need of his leadership as an iconic veteran, and he bails. Hope for his sake that the grass is greener on the other side. Otherwise, he’s stained his legacy as a life-time Buc. Important to remember that Mike fired us, not the other way around (as in most late veteran career changes.)
March 12th, 2026 at 11:25 pm
Hell, you people are SUCH ‘childish’ MORONS. Hell, “I” have to be about the only one on here, with enough SENSE to defend him… When, the ‘main reason’ I even wanted HIM for at least another year in the first place, was to MOVE HIM at the next ‘trade-deadline’ Lmao. And, look at you little CRYBABIES.
Trust-Me too, that Mike AND his agent already KNEW what was coming this upcoming ‘trade-deadline’ as well. And, Mike would NOT be ‘in-control’ to be able to dictate WHERE he ended up getting shipped-out to. 💯 DON’T even think FOR A MINUTE, that did not play a roll.
They all know WTF is UP. After 12-YEARS of being in the league, Mike had already seen it ALL, by then!!!! It’s a ‘BUSINESS’ FIRST. And, they have to approach it from EVERY different angle, and EVERY potential outcome. It’s THEIR LIFE. Their FAMILY’S FUTURE. They have to do ‘right’ by THEM FIRST. Not YOU.
March 12th, 2026 at 11:25 pm
“Important to remember that Mike fired us, not the other way around“
Alright man, cut it out. It’s not that deep, this is football not Greys Anatomy
March 12th, 2026 at 11:25 pm
Scotty Mack is an idiot and a hater.
Mike is not a traitor.
If anything, the Bucs betrayed him by making decisions that do not prioritize winning.
Stop hating, bro.
I wouldn’t have stayed here either once we decided to keep Bowles again.
March 12th, 2026 at 11:31 pm
WBL: You have to look at it objectively. It is a unique situation — that may result in an unexpected outcome.
March 12th, 2026 at 11:33 pm
MelvinJunior Says:
^^^^^^
Melvin you and I agree 100% on this topic.
There are some commenters here with some very twisted views. Perhaps some are trolling but some have such limited scope that it is very concerning. As you said (please no blasphemy) it is only a game and the players are nothing more than sub-contractors in the entertainment business.
I reread 50yearbucfan and discovered this statement indicating you are quite likely right ; “go back to playing real football like we all did growing up! ” . orlbucfan is a female of a certain age that
probably didn’t play football as a kid.
Good call.
March 12th, 2026 at 11:37 pm
It’s just soooo absurd and childish. HE did not fire “US.” There is NO “US.” He FIRED this current Bucs REGIME of Lickt, Baker, AND Bowles. Including, the GLAZERS. Period. End of Story. It’s THAT SIMPLE.
March 12th, 2026 at 11:40 pm
Guys, you’re missing my point. I think that in the end, Mike made a mistake at this point when he’s rapidly heading into the twilight of his career.
Just my opinion.
March 12th, 2026 at 11:41 pm
He’d had enough. Fed up with Bowles’ chronic case of the regressions. He spreads it to all. From Cooper Kupp to 3rd and 28. The whole time.
Mikey had enough. Go Mike Evans, you’re my favorite Buc and I don’t blame you for leaving.
March 12th, 2026 at 11:43 pm
@ Sal Volatile – Like I said, I might be wrong!? But, I thought it was that last part that probably made you think that. Haha. Again, I’m not sure… But, seems like “orlbucfan” usually permanently disowns EVERY former player, coach, & etc. who leaves the Bucs. Regardless of reason LoL.
March 12th, 2026 at 11:47 pm
You KNOW that he and his agent are already making big-time contacts in Silicon Valley. They’ll be at EVERY cocktail party and event. Right in the middle of it ALL. Guaranteed that was part of Lynch’s overall pitch. 💯 Hell, ya CAN’T blame him. I would be and you would be, too!!!! 💯
March 12th, 2026 at 11:52 pm
@ Sal Volatile – yeah, I believe orlbucfan is a female, too! I was afraid to say either way though, since I wasn’t 💯 and I absolutely REFUSE to say or use “THEY” LoL. So, I just kept spelling out “orlbucfan” instead Hahah.
March 12th, 2026 at 11:57 pm
Yeah, I kinda feel the same way as some of the others, as immature as it may be. He wasn’t spectacular the last 2 years. They literally had to do everything they could do to get him his 1,000 yards a year ago. And had he stayed healthy, which is no one’s fault, he probably would’ve eeked out a 1,000 yards again, and probably helped us just make our way into the playoffs. So, as much as he feels like others failed him, he failed the Bucs this year with his Unc hamstrings. I really don’t think he’s going to make some huge impact in San Fran, and it seems as though it’s not really that big of news when listening to NFL analysts. I think most know this is now an injury prone Mike that is a shell of his former self. And now, I can’t wait to root against him. He’s just another guy on another team now. GO BUCS!!!
March 12th, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Mike didn’t like his target share with this receiver room. He talks about 49ers tradition. They haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1995. The Bucs have two Lombardi’s in that time period. Sure they have been twice but Shannan hasn’t been able to win the big game. Great coach and Mike will tons of targets but the Bucs beat the 9ers last year 30-14 without Mike.
March 13th, 2026 at 12:00 am
And please quit talking about Evans like we lost the golden goose. You’re only as good as your last season, and he looked pretty average most of the time this past season. You guys doing this are living in the past.
March 13th, 2026 at 12:01 am
He wants to be the No 1 receiver no matter what. I have a lot of respect for who he is and what he has done. Hope he finds what he’s looking for. It it’s a team sport, an no matter what there’s no me or I. These Evan articles are getting old.
March 13th, 2026 at 12:01 am
Melvin, I think I understand why you feel so passionately about this. You are overjoyed that Mike is disrespecting the Bucs for all the world to see in a way that you can only do so vicariously through him. Somehow in your little boy brain this validates your total disgust with the Bucs, Bowles and Baker!?:/ It was important for Mike to express that respect at this press conference today not a week or a month from now! I still appreciate Mike for all that he’s done as a player for the Bucs and especially for the community in Tampa and nothing can ever change that. I think in this instance, he’s made a mistake. Mike did not let the Bucs down and neither did the Bucs let him down.
March 13th, 2026 at 12:01 am
Melvin, I choose to identify as XY although I do like the XX variety.
March 13th, 2026 at 12:04 am
orlbucfan identified herself as a retired female. She knows her football and has loads of street cred as a Bucs fan.
March 13th, 2026 at 12:05 am
Mike worked his rear in off to get back in time for the playoffs, only to see Bum Baker single handedly knock the Bucs out the playoffs.
Anyone that thinks Mike is wrong, is a dope.
Final 6 weeks.
Bucs 10th in points against.
Bucs 28th in points scored.
That was 100% on Baker not making simple passes any high school QB can make.
March 13th, 2026 at 12:12 am
Mike will always be a TB legend, but let’s be honest here – he’s injury prone and getting dropsy. He’s on the downslope. His comments aren’t helping things either – I don’t wish him ill, but I sure as hell don’t wish him well either. He’s just another guy now. Move on.
March 13th, 2026 at 12:12 am
I mean, HELL… You don’t think the Bucs FO wouldn’t ship him to Cleveland or somewhere in a HEARTBEAT, at the next season’s trade-deadline!? You’re damn right THEY WOULD. If Cleveland was offering an EARLY 2ND, and the Niners, Bears, Seahawks, or any other contender was offering just a LATE 3RD!? Of course, THEY WOULD. And, THE BETTER (lol). Otherwise, it would be pure NEGLIGENCE to the entire franchise. Now, THAT would be doing “US” WRONG. And, don’t think that Mike and his agent was not completely aware of THIS. He only took control of HIS OWN situation and career, when HE was still in ‘full-control’ to do so. When, he STILL COULD. Hell, he’s been around long enough to KNOW not to trust ANYONE. It’s a “what have you done FOR ME lately,” League. Here TODAY. GONE TOMORROW. You don’t allow THEM to have control over YOU, as long as you can help it. That is ALL that Mike is “guilty” of. 💯 PERIOD. End of Story.