Mike Evans’ Exit A “Brutal Look” For Bucs Organization
March 16th, 2026
Damning.
It would be one thing for Jamel Dean to say he left the Bucs because he felt his last chance to win another ring is getting away from the team where he won his first ring.
But for Mike Evans, the greatest offensive player the Bucs have ever drafted, to tell the world when joining his new team that he took a paycut and agreed to grotesque state taxes in order to have a chance at another Super Bowl, well, unless the Bucs can prove otherwise, Capt. Fear is going to be walking around with a black eye and a big, long brown skid mark on his backside.
Ben Solak, typing for BSPN, said this Evans-leaving-the-Bucs scenario is sad all around. Sad for NFL fans in general, sad for Bucs fans. But more:
Solak wrote if Evans really believed San Francisco was a better than the Bucs, then it’s damning for the Bucs organization, damning for Bucs coach Todd Bowles and damning for a guy Evans was supposedly tight with, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The fact that his contract with the 49ers is so team friendly is a clear sign that he wanted out of Tampa Bay. Why exactly he wanted out of Tampa Bay — and why exactly he chose his new team — is the subject of much speculation. It’d be a brutal look for the Buccaneers if his motivation was to join a true contender, and he elected to go to the toughest division in the league instead of staying in the weakest. It’d be a brutal look for Baker Mayfield if he wanted a quarterback upgrade and went to Brock Purdy. And it’d be a brutal look for Todd Bowles if he was simply exhausted with the current messaging.
It’s likely a combination of all three. I admire how well the Buccaneers did him on the way out, lauding him with organization statements of gratitude even as he evidently chose another team over them. I, like all NFL fans (save for some Falcons and Saints and Panthers haters), will be sad to see Evans suit up for another team come September.
There is really not much more that Joe can add. The Bucs bragged at the combine that Bowles’ three division titles in his first three years as a Bucs coach demonstrated they are in the top tier of NFL teams.
Evans’ actions and words totally blew up that narrative. What Joe would like to know is where Evans thought the Bucs were lacking.
Remember, the Bucs slapped around the 49ers last year, without Evans. Did Evans grow that disgruntled at Bowles? Did he lose trust with how Mayfield played in the second half of the season? Did the constant revolving door of offensive coordinators wear Evans down? Did Josh Grizzard leave Evans with a bad taste in his mouth so he wanted stability?
Or, was it as simple as third-and-28?
March 16th, 2026 at 7:04 am
THIRD AND 28
‘NUF SAID
March 16th, 2026 at 7:14 am
In all honesty he probably won’t make the playoffs with that team either. They do have better coaching than the Bucs that obvious. However they are the third best team in that division with Seattle and the Rams being better. If he went anywhere he should have went to the Rams. Same type of offense that we been running plus better coaching and a better QB in Stafford. Evans must of hated Bowles so much he took the only offer he had other than here and left.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:20 am
“What Joe would like to know is where Evans thought the Bucs were lacking.”
– – – – – – – – – –
We would all like to know how “I am a But for life” wanted out so badly that he gave another NFL franchise a team friendly deal to escape. Very friggin sad state the Bucs are in.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:23 am
Enough about Mike.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:26 am
I agree, he might have been the missing piece in LA, either team maybe. But the 49ers aren’t winning the SB. Neither are the Steelers.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:26 am
“…disgruntled at Bowles… trust in how Mayfield played… constant revolving door of OCs…Grizzard….”
– – – – – – – – – – – –
ME has played with a wide variety of poor QBs, so I don’t think its Mayfield
Change in coaching staff is life in the NFL, so don’t think so.
Grizzard? See change in coaching staff.
Bowles? Yeah, I think think 3rd and 28 did that trick…. for ALL of us
March 16th, 2026 at 7:28 am
Let’s see if he has as much success against the secondaries in that division. Not knocking him but the Bucs division isn’t known for being the strongest division.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:29 am
“But the 49ers aren’t winning the SB. ”
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
With Kyle Shannahan, the 9ers always have a chance. I would bet against him. Also, I think ME really makes the 9ers offense very hard to defend.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:30 am
I kept saying that the team probably gave up on him during the season & yep they probably did.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:31 am
He wasn’t trying to hear Zac Robinson either.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:34 am
It’s ok to move on from a 33 year old wr in fact you should, wish him the best because Mike is just a good person no matter how you slice it.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:44 am
They essentially didn’t have him last season
March 16th, 2026 at 7:45 am
He gave up on his team when they needed him most. It was a selfish move, a slap in the face to his teammates, his adoring fans and the city of Tampa and beyond. The team that won a Super Bowl and that fed him the pass that put him over 1000 a couple years ago. He could have cemented his legacy forever here in Tampa by staying. I think he will live to regret this.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:49 am
He is NOW a big fish in a small pond
March 16th, 2026 at 7:49 am
Did anyone catch Mike presser in SanFran…he said he believes he is the missing piece for the team to win. He was all about himself and how good he is..so that is not the Mike who has been here in Tampa…so let him go. It was probably 50/50..his ego and Todd. Unfortunately week are still left with Todd, who IMO is the sole cause of how bad the bucs have been over last 2 years…I blame Brady for demanding BA be fired and I blame BA for pushing Todd. I BLAME THE GLAZERS FOR NOT CHOSING THE TEAM AND THEIR SUCCESS OVER POLITICS. Here’s hoping the defense improved with these FA pick ups…I believe the offense just got better with Mike and Rashad leaving…nobody feeling pressure to get them the ball. The offense can run free….imagine all those years trying to get Mike his 1000 for the record. Lets play ball
March 16th, 2026 at 7:50 am
If you had to put 1k of your money down on who would win the super bowl next year and you has to pick the 49rs or the Bucs who would it be. I would bet on the 49rs. The 49rs are a 10 to 11 win team the Bucs might be an 8 win team.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:53 am
Honestly, man, the BUCS simply changed after the bye. I don’t know what happened. Maybe Bakers apparent injury had something to do with it, but the defense quit trying too. What makes an entire team just quit like that? 3rd and 28 is a symptom, not a disease. There is a sickness in that locker room and Evans and Dean just wanted out.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:59 am
“”Honestly, man, the BUCS simply changed after the bye. I don’t know what happened. Maybe Bakers apparent injury had something to do with it, but the defense quit trying too. What makes an entire team just quit like that? 3rd and 28 is a symptom, not a disease. There is a sickness in that locker room and Evans and Dean just wanted out.””
Excellent observations Fred.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:00 am
“There is a sickness in that locker room and Evans and Dean just wanted out.”
The sickness is Todd Bowles. He lost the team (except, evidently, Lavonte). The Bucs are going nowhere with this buffoon running the show, and Mike knew it.
There will be a boat parade the day Todd is finally shown the door, albeit 3 years too late.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:01 am
Again, why would he stay in Tampa knowing this team isn’t going anywhere under Bowles? Bucs are toast and are 3rd or 4th in division next season.
#TeamDelusional
March 16th, 2026 at 8:01 am
28!!!!!!
March 16th, 2026 at 8:02 am
@GeorgeR, actually this team is headed one of two probable outcomes. The most likely is they return to being an about 500 team. As long as the Panthers don’t suddenly come alive they should be competitive in the NFCS. The other is that the collapse will continue and we will all be talking draft and new coaches over Thanksgiving dinner. No, we will not make the Super Bowl unless Santa Clause goes berserk and shoots down half our planes.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:15 am
did anyone mention 3rd and 28 yet? I’m sure they did, but is worth nothing this in every article until Bowels and Licht are gone
March 16th, 2026 at 8:18 am
He watched Brady leave NE… and see’s himself as an all-time great.
He is … but he ain’t on Brady’s level. *see Superbowl highlights.
This was inevitable.
Can’t blame him for choosing Shanahan over Bowles. Just business!
Time to move on. Go Bucs!
March 16th, 2026 at 8:19 am
“Bowles? Yeah, I think think 3rd and 28 did that trick…. for ALL of us”
Not the Glazers.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:22 am
It’s obviously a reflection of Bowles…..the revolving door of offensive coordinators isn’t what contending teams do. The drafting of Ebuka when we’ve got obvious needs on defense, overpaying McCollum and even Godwin….poor roster management, Bowles loyalty to his buddy even as special teams was horrendous, sticking with Bowles when we lose 8 of 9 games…..if I’m trying to contend and continue to build my career legacy, there’s nothing appealing about the Bucs.
Frankly Evans doesn’t know who the HC, OC or QB will be after this season….contending teams don’t have those huge question marks hanging over their season.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:23 am
What does it matter? The Bucs were a somewhat talented team (less talented now) with huge liabilities dragging them down. Those liabilities are defensive coordinator, head coach, medical and training staff, a steadily regressing GM that has become reduced to a deer in headlights, and very aloof ownership that appears to have little interest in winning. We are heading for a losing season and the only way we avoid another lost decade is that I am wrong about ownership or they sell the team.
Not sure you’d find too many fans to agree with you. –Joe
March 16th, 2026 at 8:28 am
Sometimes in life it’s just time for a change. Good luck Mike Evans!
March 16th, 2026 at 8:28 am
Mike will be fine, he did not say anything bad in the presser. He felt he needed a place to be a #1 receiver and he was not #1 in here. He knows Emeka, Godwin and J-mac exists and he wants was his numbers and the experience. He is doing what is best for everyone not for money. Let it go.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:28 am
Eh, calling it now. Mike will be hurt by week 5. Then, he’ll come back in week 7 or 8 and be hurt again by week 11, and be out until the playoffs, if the 9ers make it. Don’t really care about this story anymore. Stop living in the past, and try to move on and attempt to be a little more positive. I’m starting to feel like a Browns fan over here. Mike was awesome, but it don’t seem like he has it anymore. Go Bucs!!!
March 16th, 2026 at 8:33 am
No keeping Todd Bowles and firing all the other coaches is a bad look.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:34 am
The team needs to control the story a little better. Right now the lack of any general plan, or moves that would suggest a plan, is reflecting poorly. Everyone from fans to free agents are assuming everything is negative… and maybe it is.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:34 am
Love Mike. Every one in media saying this is a bad look will pivot 180 when Mike
Misses a lot of games due to injuries. He will not complete his 3 year contract. The media will say “how smart” JL was even though it wasn’t up to him. Let’s move on, finish the draft, add some more FA players and see how it goes. Remember it’s not beneficial financially to sign vets on the downside of their careers to big money. Almost always ends up a cap problem later
March 16th, 2026 at 8:35 am
He didn’t trust the defense. It’s that simple. Purdy is not greater than Baker. San Fran is just overall better. We have a more than capable offense.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:36 am
It had to end sometime. 12 years is a lot. I look forward to thinking about him again when he retires
March 16th, 2026 at 8:38 am
The talent level on the 49ers really isn’t all the much better than we have IMO except a few key pieces that are elite where we don’t…rb, bosa, warner. And several were hurt last year when they played us.
But that’s why they happen to be a better bet to get to the SB than us. They lose their qb for 6 weeks, no problem, best player for the year, no problem, second best player for the year, 12-5, divisional round.
They’ve played in how many nfc championships in the last 8 years? The team is beyond consistent and it has an innovative offensive HC. They win and produce every year no matter what.
So Mike is sitting there looking at that situation and then listening to Todd and Jason brag about winning the nfc south three straight years?
C’mon. Apples to apples anyone that’s not a koolaid drinker would have made the same call.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:39 am
Ho hum, another why did Mike leave article.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:43 am
11 100YD games the last 5 years. Jaxon had 9 last year alone. Mike is and has always been steady gets his 65-70yds a game and draws penalties and is great in the end zone but he has never been a dominate yards or receptions guy. I think the biggest part of the reason he lefts is Godwin, Jmac, Emeka and Johnson. If you followed Baseball the last 50 years he is the Eddie Murray of the NFL never a consistent top 5 guy but will end with top 10 stats .
March 16th, 2026 at 8:43 am
Joe … Did Evans grow that disgruntled at Bowles?’
You always seem to gravitate towards that speculation involving players’ disgruntlement with Bowles for some reason Joe. Mike Evans never even remotely indicated that was the case. Neither did Jamel Dean. Joe knows a few things that can’t hit these pages and will leave it at that.–Joe
Both DID indicate that they felt the teams they signed with had a better chance to win the Super Bowl than the Bucs do. Actually, Dean didn’t say that.–Joe
I agree with them based on their performance over the last 2 years especially.
The Bucs are moving on; praise the Lord. Last year’s team lacked enough talent and yes, it had some poor coaching. Fixes desperately needed to be made and we’re making them. I try to keep an open mind about how well we’re progressing, although like most others frustration creeps in every once in awhile.
I’m expecting that Zac Robinson will be a substantial upgrade over Grizz, and that Danny Smith will be a substantial upgrade over McGaughey. I don’t like that Todd Bowles remains dual-hatted as HC & DC, but I do think that some of the actions we’re taking to add ‘veterans with an attitude’ will help his defense perform considerably better. As always, time will tell.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:44 am
Disagree. Mike will be fine and all will be forgotten by mid-season. Bucs will be fine too. We are already a better team than we were at the end of last year, save Evans departure. But the WR room looks just fine. Defense was our biggest issue last year. We’ve improved significantly on the first two levels and or will have by the end of the draft. Sad to see Mike go. But honestly, I was more bothered with the departure of Sapp and Lynch back in the day. And somehow we survived that.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:46 am
“They cited his desire to compete for another Super Bowl and to play in an offense that “challenges defenses” and allows him to “contribute at the highest level.”
The challenges defense part is being totally ignored, but why?
March 16th, 2026 at 8:47 am
“Disagree. Mike will be fine and all will be forgotten by mid-season.”
No he won’t be forgotten. Every big play he makes, every touchdown he scores, and every game he plays is going to be tracked by this fanbase.
If Buc fans can do it for Liam Coen, they’ll damn sure do it for Mike Evans.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:49 am
San Francisco will get a look at Mikes Hamstrings just like we did. when he starts missing games the fans will be saying what a waste of money.
How many Super Bowls did Jerry Rice win after he left the 49ers? Sometimes the grass is not always greener on the other side.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:49 am
Here we go again.
Maybe y’all should change this site’s name to Joe 40 Whiner
Enough about Evans already.
Did yall obsess like this when Sapp left? Lynch? Dunn?
Loved Evans as much as the next Buc fan, but watching him hobble off the field after every catch the last couple years, I knee yhe end was coming. He will never play out that contract with the 49ers. Worn out hamstrings don’t get better with age.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:53 am
The answer to this question can be gleaned from understanding his character – a consummate professional. Very Brady-esque. Reminds me of Marvin Harrison, but with a tougher edge. Anyway, taking that understanding into account, it’s not too hard to see. 3rd and 28 was the last straw for him, piled up by heaps of previous culture/leadership shortfalls. He expected (rightfully) that the standards of his bosses would be at least on par with his own professionalism. They were (are) not.
March 16th, 2026 at 9:14 am
Top tier of NFL teams??????
Is there an opium den near OBP?
Not only did the Bucs walk a$$ backwards into the division titles, they followed those by going 1-3 in the playoffs.
Most people would not call that top tier.
But in Tampa we only deal in fantasy world logic.
March 16th, 2026 at 9:17 am
Maybe he didn’t like the new OC and didn’t think we had a chance on offense or that he wouldn’t be fed the ball the way he wants to with the new guy from Atlanta?
March 16th, 2026 at 9:48 am
You would think mike evans left the bucs at 27 years old on top of his prime his game the way we are crying about this
March 16th, 2026 at 9:48 am
Yes Warren, certain fans will obsess over this. Perhaps you are one of them. However, I am not and I trust I am joined by others as well. All about the team. He’s an all-time great player for our team but it’s time has passed as far as it concerns the Bucs. Will I keep an eye on him and his stats? Sure. I’m human. And I hope he does well, though of course I hope we do better. So no, it won’t be tracked by the “fanbase” at large. But it will be tracked by certain fans. like yourself.
March 16th, 2026 at 9:50 am
still say Evans over/under for games play will be 9.5, I would take the under being 8 games
March 16th, 2026 at 10:05 am
Mike left for two reasons and two reasons
Mike left for two reasons and two reasons only: number one only more targets remain engaged in the games. There is too many talented mouth to feed with the Bucs, secondly, he’s tired of a turnstile at OC. Wants to see what it’s like to play for a top-tier OC who knows how to use him and feature him.
March 16th, 2026 at 10:28 am
Can this be the last Evans article for a week or so? The horse is dead.
March 16th, 2026 at 10:29 am
100 percent Steven I wish Evans the best because he is a good human but his success and failures from this point on means nothing for the bucs as a team moving forward because he isn’t on the team anymore. The scorn I don’t get seems real bitter ex to me but to each their own. Lol go bucs.
March 16th, 2026 at 10:34 am
Evans knows.
Coaches suck. GM sucks. Owners suck. Quarterback is a fraud.
No brainer for Mike.
March 16th, 2026 at 10:37 am
What’s brutal is this site continuing to post articles about the SF 49ers. Give it a rest we want content on our team! The Buccaneers its Joe Bucs fan! Not Mike Evans personal love affair page.
No. 1 — Please refrain from making things up about Joe. There’s so much else to comment on.
No. 2 — Joe writes about what Joe finds interesting. Joe is interested in all things Mike Evans right now. It’s very easy not to read something. –Joe
March 16th, 2026 at 10:39 am
“Yes Warren, certain fans will obsess over this. Perhaps you are one of them”
Nope, just an observer and aware enough to see the sentiments of this fan base.
It’s March of 2026, some of our fellow fans are still citing shoulda, coulda, wouldas about “letting” Coen leave.
People are-Joe included-still talking about Kyle Trask.
So yea it’s a fair observation to say while some will try to “forget” Evans, it’s not the last this fan base will hear or talk about him and no, I’m not one of “them” lol
March 16th, 2026 at 10:48 am
M1K3, left for a better team, organization, coaches and a QB! Licht really messed this thing up……… can we please lose every game so we can get rid of the GM,HC & QB! Please….
March 16th, 2026 at 10:49 am
Wanted a better QB!
March 16th, 2026 at 10:50 am
Evans decision to join the 49ers- Shanahan is a reputed top of a line pyramid HC and OC coordinator. Choosing Shanahan was a no brainer. Beats Bowles and Robertson. If given that choice who wouldn’t abandon the ship.
Evans decision was thoughtful and pragmatic. A good business decision. End of story
March 16th, 2026 at 10:57 am
Folks, everyone will have to wait until ME13 retires to see if he really respects the Bucs organization or not! If he retires as a 49er, then all questions will be answered but the truth will be denied by all. Best of luck to ME!
March 16th, 2026 at 10:58 am
Who Dat!
How about more articles on the players that still play for the Bucs OR some of our new free agents, outside of the one or maybe two articles since they recently joined the team?
March 16th, 2026 at 11:03 am
HeavyE Says:
March 16th, 2026 at 10:49 am
Wanted a better QB!
BINGO!!!!!!
ME13 went with the QB who has more playoff WINS!!!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!
March 16th, 2026 at 11:11 am
You could visibly see how livid ME13 was after the 3rd and 28 loss and for good reason. Mike lost confidence in Todd Bowles and that is why he left.
Jason Licht is responsible for this DEBACLE as all of this could have been avoided if Licht had simply gone to the Glazers and said ” I really like Todd, but I have no confidence in his ability to lead and motivate our team”. Licht should have identified the problem and removed it. So Licht is complicit in this failure and incompetent for not seeing what was patently obvious.
Bucs should have a Head Coach named Harbaugh or McDermott and ME13 would still be a Buc if this had transpired.
March 16th, 2026 at 11:12 am
ME real feelings about his time with Tampa will occur when he retires. If he signs a one day contract and retires as a Buc, then question is answered! If not, the Joes site will be swamped with “why”. It will be at least a three year wait to know the answer.
March 16th, 2026 at 11:28 am
10 years is about all any relationship has. The rest is fumes. Marriage included.
Im not mad. Wish him well.look fwd to his return
We need to lower our expectations
March 16th, 2026 at 11:38 am
The answer is simple, the team didn’t want him back that badly. They have three strong receivers and not enough resources to overspend on a player that has always had the injury bug and will only be getting worse. Hard decision but it was the right one.
March 16th, 2026 at 11:52 am
Now that this has all transpired and shots fired far and wide, has anyone figured out what Richard Sherman was referring to last season with the “I know some things” comments and was he referring to something bigger or a bigger issue than just the 2025 season alone/specifically. Does Shady have the same info as Richard does? Is what Richard said related to Mike at all or Mike alone?
I’m even more curious now about the Sherman comments than I was prior to when he said them.
March 16th, 2026 at 12:21 pm
Even Joe says he knows a few things too that can’t hit these pages earlier in this thread so it is quite obvious that Todd lost the room at some point in the season. Luchtbrain should have been cognizant enough to see that and pulled the plug on Bowles. Now Lichtbrain’s future has been inextricably intertwined with Bowles-Not a good place to be.
March 16th, 2026 at 12:40 pm
their qb is not better than our qb…in range, yes…but not better
#CrockTurdy
March 16th, 2026 at 12:45 pm
Mike is a Buc legend, but he had 0, ZERO, NO FA offers on the table when free agency began, no other team was courting him, and was the 3rd option for the team that he eventually signed with. I don’t think future Mike Evans is viewed by the rest of the league like he is view by Buc fans.
My take is the Bucs made their offer to him, knowing that the WR room is loaded with talent, veteran experience and young legs. Mike would have been a nice piece but not the man anymore, and not worth top dollar when there are so many holes to fill on defense. His team didn’t like the offer which is why his team is the ones who ‘leaked/made up’ to the press that another team was offering 27M, hoping to raise the offer from the Bucs. The Bucs said no thanks, take or leave our final offer and Mike felt slighted and left.
Good luck to Mike, hope he does well except when playing the Bucs. At the end of the day it is a business.
March 16th, 2026 at 12:47 pm
I just really hope, at the end of the day, Todd Bowles and the Glazerhouses know how much they are hated, and hated right now, respectively.
March 16th, 2026 at 1:03 pm
He never said he didn’t think the Bucs could win a SB
He never said he thought Baker wasn’t good enough.
He said he wants a competitor and a good QB – generic talk turned into a condemnation by the Joe who likes to speculate, read between the lines, etc
I’m not upset he’s gone. He’s playing for ego (love of the game my ass) at this point and he’d hold up EE & J-Mac.
March 16th, 2026 at 1:04 pm
I’m not laying this at the fans feet but it’s been mentioned in all the polite doublespeak that playing a home game in San Francisco is a completely different experience from playing home games in front of sparse, mixed crowds at Ray Jay.
It’s no one thing or three things. Is it Bowles? Yes. That Rams game last year was as bad as third and twenty eight. That frustration goes all the way back to Lovie though. It’s over a decade of things. No one owes the fans or Mike Evans a dang thing but this is such a hideous, awkward failure that could have been avoided.
A feast of wins pronto will do a lot to cool the hot shame of this indictment but the Glazers have cemented who they are. Lynch. Sapp. Maya Angelou wrote, “When someone shows you who they really are: believe them the first time.”
On with the draft…
March 16th, 2026 at 1:28 pm
The fact that his contract with the 49ers is so team friendly is a clear sign that he wanted out of Tampa Bay. Why exactly he wanted out of Tampa Bay — and why exactly he chose his new team — is the subject of much speculation.
—————
There is no speculation. Evans worked his rear in off to get back for the playoffs, only to watch Bum Baker singlehandedly knock the Bucs out of contention.
Evans literally said he wanted to go somewhere that had a QB that can win a SB – and Baker is a loser who has never won anything that matters.
March 16th, 2026 at 1:32 pm
Roll the dice with a fourth new offensive coordinator in the last four years, or go to a sure thing with Shanahan?
Evans has made $155 million in his football career so far and he’s already a Hall of Famer.
Its not about money at this point, its about his NFL mortality sinking in and time running out.
March 16th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
Brandon Says:
March 16th, 2026 at 11:38 am
The answer is simple, the team didn’t want him back that badly. They have three strong receivers and not enough resources to overspend on a player that has always had the injury bug and will only be getting worse. Hard decision but it was the right one.
======================================
Finally, a grown up who sees things correctly. We need more grown ups on these pages. Without force feeding ME13, the offense will be better this season.
March 16th, 2026 at 2:22 pm
bowles would have been fired at the end of the season. the special team coach would have been gone during the season. many other business decisions would have been made to fix the business, if it was a business.
it isnt a business. it is a guaranteed money machine courtesy of tv contracts and stupid taxpayers. the bucs franchise is a virtue signalling play toy for the children of malcolm glazer who inherited it, not a business. a business person or management team would have hurled bowles out the door after the debacle of last season….
March 16th, 2026 at 3:01 pm
To Evans, Bowle’s 328 defense was epiphanic (a moment of sudden insight or clarity, often triggered by a seemingly ordinary event). That moment of clarity, for all to see, was the end.
March 16th, 2026 at 3:31 pm
Evans doesn’t play for the Bucs – who cares.
Move on – Mike has.
March 16th, 2026 at 4:20 pm
Gipper. We need more real bucs fans on this site and you ain’t a real bucs fan you are a Baker fan boy. If the Browns go to the Superbowl you will be on their site acting like you are a browns fan. You ain’t no different from the Brady fans they left as soon as Brady left and they started back rooting for the Patriots just like you are going to do when Baker leaves. Lol 🤣🤣 so please be quiet with all that talk.
March 16th, 2026 at 4:27 pm
Oneilbuc Says:
March 16th, 2026 at 4:20 pm
Gipper. We need more real bucs fans on this site and you ain’t a real bucs fan you are a Baker fan boy.
===================================
Oneilbuc,
You don’t know the first thing about me. Quit pretending that you do. I know a lot about you. You are barely literate and never learned about comma usage in school.
March 16th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
@George R
Who would I pick between the 49ers or bucs on who I think has the better chance? mmmm idk bud. Probably the team that beat the other. so I would take the bucs, since we beat the bum 49ers lmao
March 16th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
Over Mike at this point. Mr. “Buc for life” took a hike. The nature of it is such that it didn’t leave him looking as regal as we once viewed him. He may regret it. It was his decision.
I’m optimistic on the ’26 season. Licht, Bowles and Mayfield on the hotseat. It’s going to be fun!
Given the cap available, I thought the Bucs faired okay in the early free agency. Really looking forward to the draft.
March 16th, 2026 at 5:05 pm
Why do you mock us? We fans can only bleed so much. It hurts
March 16th, 2026 at 6:52 pm
Baker is bum and a waste of time. YOU.ARE.NOT. GOING. ANYWHERE. WITH.HIM. Mike went to SF because Purdy is much better. Much younger and more accomplished. He is more accurate and effecient and his per game averages are better. Remeber Purdy camme into the leauge in 2022.
Look at their stas 2022-2025, its not close. And Purdy is 5 years younger almost. You all just are in denial. Baker is why#13 left and his exorbitant contract is a albatross to the growth of this team.A limited/journeyman/bridge Qb with a 53m# cap number is fiscally irresponsible.
Its a reson the team has not extended him. Its not a coincidence. He trash. Just durable trash. Volume stats are a awful way to gauge Qb play. See Geno Smith 2022-2024 or look at Brady lasy year here: 4700 yards, 26td/9int and 68% completion%. In fact Brady’s 3 year run here was statistically his best 3 year run of his career but do you really think we got the best Brady? Come on. Remeber, since Baker entered the leauge he has the LOWEST completion % of any Qb with 100 starts. You really think that doesnt have a ripple effect on Wr play?
The fact Mike is not only tight with but had Shady Mccoy at his crib is telling. Mccoy is Bakers most vocal national critic. Funny how family mebers from Odell Beckham, Kareem Hunt and Chris Godwin have went public voicing displeasure over the qb/offense play.
Either Moriah Mills is a hell of a scout or her husband was complaing to her about he offense. 2/3 years the offfense was ranked 23rd and 21st. By contrast, the 49ers offense under Purdy has been SUBSTANTIALLY better they were before him under Garapolo.
Example: 2022 season. 49ers were 8-4 and averaged 23.5 ppg. Purdy comes in and goes 5-0 and the offense average 33.6 ppg. And thtas as a 7th round rookie. When garapolo got hurt.
while you could have expected Evans to gush over his new Qb, he was mysteriously effusive about Baker.He made sure his agent told the fans that the “WR room” is talented. Mike voted with his feet. His silence on baker a week in is deafening.
In the next few weeks if he compliments bake, its just for show and to salvage a friendship. I like my brother in law but I wouldnt go into business with him, he’s worthless to me in that regard. I literally cannot recall a time a star wr left a “star” Qb voluntarily…and I still dont because Baker isnt good. Hes a backup/bridge/journeyman.
I remeber in 2011 Ryan Fitzpatrick started off 3-0 or 4-0 and and the “MVP” talk was being brougt up? Remember Fitzpatrick’s 2018 run with 3 straight 400 yard games? Thing is, fitzpatrick was a 7th round pick. Baker was a #1 overall pick in a draft that saw 2 HOF/MVP Qbs and a SB Winner.
The sooner you all realize Baker is a expensive waste of tiem, the better off you’ll be. Its literally like pissing in the wind. Any argument you make or excuse you make for baker i can counter with 3 against him. If you dont believe me, TRY ME. Its good to see some fans dont have blinders on when it comes to this bum of a Qb.
The national media is lazy and buys into his “character” and the local media are spineless, disingenious ministers of propoganda. They are far from stupid, they knoiw what hey have been watching for 3 years.
.
March 16th, 2026 at 6:52 pm
I keep hearing people say other players are frauds when I guess Mike is a fraud as well then, or at best a has-been. We have got to have some of the dumbest fans, thinking Mike somehow helped this team the last 2 years. I don’t know what games they watched, but I don’t think these people actually watched the games, because I don’t remember seeing Mile much. and you don’t get a pass for not suiting up and not contributing. It’s as bad as playing poorly, in my opinion. So what is all the whining about? Mike was never available at the most important times this past season.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:09 pm
I’ve already said it time and time again. It’s only 1 of these 3 reasons. 3rd and 28 which is Todd Bowles. The fact that the Glazers and Licht thought the move was to keep Bowles as coach and send the guy that gave us a top 5 offense packing. That’s really bad but then after the season, you still keep him. Idiotic. This franchise is run idiots. It will always be the only NFL team I root for. I just accept that we are the early 80’s Bucs. Shameful. I want to punch a lot of the morons at the top.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:10 pm
The hypocrisy is unreal. 2 things can be true, Bowles can be a average /below average coach AND baker can be a “JAG” journeyman/bridge Qb.
I have heard 2 million times about the defense…..the defense was ranked 19th in 2025. The offense ws ranked 21st.
I know… the injuries, the OC grizzard, etc. the thing is this: the offense ranked 23rd under Canales in 2023 with Baker, Otton, White, Mike and Godwin starting all 17 games. The line was healthy too. The defense was 6th in scoring, 6th!!!
Yet we started 4-7 after Baker lost a 20-16 duel against Gardner Minshew not too long after losing a 16-13 duel to Desmond Ridder. He did get hot and finish 5-1 (Ryan Fitzpatrick) to go 9-8 and won the divsion after a thrilling 9-0 week 18 shootout with Bryce young of Carolina to end the regular sean.
Remeber hat year Baker almost got benched and mock drafts in December had the Bucs taking a Qb for the 2024 draft. Baker had 28td passes that year, Mike had 13 of them. Yes, the limited success Baker has that year was due to #13. The last 2 years baker is 4-8 without Evans. This experiment is almost over guys.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:17 pm
BBBB: New pseudonym?
Appears that Spell Check let you through with this one, but it’s definitely not what you were intending to say: “….he was mysteriously effusive about Baker.”
That’s a beauty!
March 16th, 2026 at 7:19 pm
3rd and 28 wouldnt be a thing if baker doesnt throw that dumb 4th qtr pick. he could have literally took 2 knees and punted and you win that game. Only 2 ways you loose that game a pick or fumble. Literallly any other play you win that game.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:22 pm
ex Browns02:
Thank you grammar police, it must be great to have a phone that NEVER rewrites what you type. I knew someone would find a grammatical error or run on sentence to talk about instead of the facts or what I was saying. Now please tell me where im wrong about the actual facts and not fixate on spell check.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:26 pm
exbrowns02: elusive, elusive, elusive,elusive. Are you happy now? Now go ahead with your counter, I’m waiting. But ill tell you knoiw, its a growing segment of us who are vocal on here, youtube, facebook, bars and whereve else that dont like baker and we dont care who likes it.
You just have to deal with it. Your not going to bully or intimidate ppl who speak on the obvious. Every other player and coach can be scrutinized except baker? nah, i dont think so.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:43 pm
Rod’s mentally challenged nephew ? LOL 🙂
March 16th, 2026 at 7:45 pm
BBBB: Easy boy. Take a deep breath. There you go.
March 16th, 2026 at 7:59 pm
BBBB. 5 playoff games or more. Top passer rating in NFL. Can’t take that away from him. From 2023-2025 second most TD passes in the NFL. Can’t take that away from him. Last season. Most 3rd down conversions running the football of any NFL QB. Can’t take that away from him. 4th QB in NFL history with 4500 yards 40 plus td passes and over 70% completion percentage. Can’t take that away from him. But BBBB. I admire that you’re having fun trying. Now why don’t you just stuff it and let the big boys play?
March 16th, 2026 at 8:20 pm
Oooh Ok paco. keep talking stupid. Nice and orginal. But you have no rebuttal because there is none, you lowlife, illeterate piece of Baker loving garbage.
March 16th, 2026 at 8:22 pm
Does ANYONE have a FOOTBALL related rebuttal ???? Or will the Baker cult keep responding with post that deflect off topic??
March 16th, 2026 at 9:24 pm
I don’t have a rebuttal because I can’t read that jibberish.
I’m not bickering Baker with you because I don’t care what you think about him.
I try to stay out of the team Gipper/Munch/Oneilbuc (among others) circus.
For the record I think he has great potential but he’s definitely not perfect.
Now, back to your posts – why all the hostility bro. I make a joke and you call me all those nasty names. Tsk tsk tsk…I can’t help it your outburst looks like it was typed up by a meth fueled chimp.
March 16th, 2026 at 9:33 pm
BBBB: Deep breaths…..
Paco: I think Baker is going to have a great year. What does your gut tell you?
March 16th, 2026 at 9:46 pm
exBrowns02
I think he has a good chance for a career year BUT I think much is dependent on how well Baker and Zac mesh. Signs are pointing up based on Baker’s respect for Zac and a return to a more McVay style offense.
Baker needs an OC that has a strong ego in addition to being creative from an X and O perspective.
Baker (and the offense in general) should look a lot more like 2 years ago than last year…..at least thats what I’m hoping for and expecting.
March 16th, 2026 at 9:49 pm
Paco: Second you on that.
March 16th, 2026 at 9:52 pm
We all know which one of the Joes is posing as bye bye baker and Bowles. Sad to see this site fall apart like this. Been a fan since the first year but this isn’t a Bucs fan site anymore. One Joe is subjective professional puts great thought into everything he writes. One has come around and accepted Evans is gone and is focused on moving forward and one is just trying to feed the fans a sky is falling routine because Bowles has a different philosophy then he does.
Who else walks off their job yelling at their boss and gets to come back? Entitled hate filled bias reporter.
How did we get to here?
March 16th, 2026 at 9:53 pm
Can we stop the Evans articles and talk it’s so old and getting ridiculous to hear it all the time. You would think he just resigned with the Bucs, with all the attention he’s getting. Go cry in your beer people. I have so much respect for him as a player who has the greatest integrity, but he’s not Buc no more. He jumped ship.
March 16th, 2026 at 10:03 pm
Two words. Todd Bowles. Yet, ME13 will be injured soon and we are rid of his high cap number. The real issue is the lack of faith of everyone has in our below average HC. Mediocrity is about as good as it will get under Bowles. He of the “3 division titles” in the worst division in Football with ZERO good QBs when he won them. Yep, keep strutting around advertising barely winning a terrible division then promptly getting run from the playoffs. I love the Bucs, but have zero faith in our ability to do much next season under the current HC. I didn’t even get started on our terrible defense.
March 16th, 2026 at 10:05 pm
Let’s talk draft! A lot of potential defensive assets!
March 16th, 2026 at 11:08 pm
I haven’t posted on here in about 4 months. I kept getting blocked despite not personally attacking anyone or using profanity. I don’t dislike Baker as a person, I just know for a fact he is not a good QB and won’t be back in 2027. If we can criticize every position, why can’t we be critical of the most important one? It’s a reason QBs make the most. It’s a reason W-L records are only awarded to QBs. As a casual fan I did a deep dive in several advanced metrics on Baker, just in his time here. Not only are his analytics not elite, they are well below league average. If a casual fan can do this, the paid professionals over at 1 Buc know all these and more. Buddy, a decade in and 120+ regular season starts/ 4 teams in 6 years…..potential is t really in play at that point. He’s gonna be 35 one day and you will say” I think he has finally figured it out). I don’t think he will be a starter anywhere in 2028.
March 16th, 2026 at 11:23 pm
Kenton: didn’t we just say volume stats are a terrible way to gauge how good a player is, especially a QB? Frank Gore is the 3rd leading rusher of all time, is the 3rd best back? No. He might not even make the hall of fame. Jared Goff Bucs MILE has the most yards and TD passes over the last 4 years, is he the best? He’s way better then Baker but no, he isn’t. And to go with those numbers Goff is averaging 12 wins a season. Geno Smith was a top 6-8 QB from 2022-2024-volume stats wise. Again, Brady 3 year Bucs run was the best 3 year run of his career (volume stats wise) but did we get the best Brady? Of course not. This is real football. Not fantasy football. I don’t care about a guy running because he can’t read a defense and got happy feet when his first option wasn’t available or he missed a guy wide open. Giants like Newton,Luck and Wentz couldn’t sustain the hero ball style but the Keebler elf will? And your pumping your ch st out over the playoffs. A whole 5 games a decade in. With a losing 2-3 record by the way . He ended one playoff season against KC with 3 straight incompletions down 5 and ended both out playoff seasons with a turnover. 2 playoff wins inna decade for a #1 overall pick is not a ” playoff warrior” lol
March 16th, 2026 at 11:28 pm
For all the doom and gloom people.
If Analzone is an upgrade over Dennis that will help.
If Mohamed gets 6 sacks even that will help improve over Reddick.
If Kancy plays he will get 5 sacks even
Diaby will get 7-9 sacks
Vea will get a couple whoever we draft at 15 will get 4-6 sacks I hope.
The oline will be healthy! We still have weapons on offense!
Special teams cost us two games that unit is better.
Plenty of reason for optimism it’s not hard to see there is reason for optimism
March 16th, 2026 at 11:41 pm
It’s not doom and gloom. It’s were stuck in mediocrity and Baker is out QB. We are going nowhere. We only have the possibility of a division because we are in the middle of the weakest division in the history of football. A entire division has one wildcard win in 4 years. That has to be a record since realignment in 2002. The schedule looks brutal. But none of the moves matter. Baker is the QB.
March 16th, 2026 at 11:46 pm
BBBB. Josh Allen. Lamar Jackson. Joe Burrow. Justin Herbert. Dak Prescott. Baker Mayfield. I could go on and on. I really could. Purdy and Love and Cousins and Lawrence and Tua. None of these QBs have won a Super Bowl. Their teams weren’t good enough just like Baker’s teams haven’t been good enough. And you’re a liar BBBB. Baker has played 8 seasons in the NFL. Not ten seasons. So I don’t believe any more junk you write. And BBBB. You don’t listen. I told you earlier to stuff it.
March 17th, 2026 at 12:13 am
Ok Baker is going into year 9 groupie. And every QB you just listed is better then Baker . Even Tua is 44-32, 12 games over.500. Lol, even Mitchell Trubisky is 31-26. F’n loser QB lol. Lemme guess ,you gonna say Stafford is .500 right. The SB MVP guy. And stop being a moron. The SB is not the only way to measure a player. Peak Cousins is way better then Baker. Except for that big number ,low impact fluke of a season in 2024, Baker has been poor or average. If Rodgers comes back Baker will be the 5th oldest opening day starter in the league behind ARod, Stafford, Prescott and Goff. 3/4 are way better then Baker and Baker and Rogers on the same level tbh and Rodgers is a senior citizen. Kenton, your not a Bucs fan but a Baker fan. You would want what’s best for the team and that’s not Baker. The advanced metrics show Baker is a loser with ” loser traits”. Don’t take my word Use chatgpt. Just focus on his time I Tampa. His record vs pro bowl QB, prime time games, are not good. Not only good but well below league average As is his win% when asked to throw 35 x or more then 40x or more. Below league average. When his defense gives up 21-27 points, his record is below league average. When I say below league average in these metrics, I mean WELL BELOW league average. So I guess Luka Doncic and DeAngelo Russell the same level because they never won a title. Don’t take my word Emily Mayfeild I mean Kenton Smoth