Future Hall of Famer Mike Evans lands a massive $60M deal, joining a Super Bowl contender. What does this mean for his new team?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost their gamble that Mike Evans would remain a Buc for life.
The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer agreed to a three-year, $60.4 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers, ESPN's Adam Schefter and CBSSports' Matt Zenitz reported Monday.
Next season will mark the first time Evans will suit up for a team other than the Bucs.
The 49ers check every box that Evans and his camp said they wanted. The Niners have a proven quarterback in Brock Purdy, led by an offense juiced by offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak and coach Kyle Shanahan, who all helped drive San Francisco to the Super Bowl two years ago.
The 49ers are coming off a 12-win season that ended with a loss in the divisional playoff to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Kubiak, 37, reportedly received requests from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders to interview for their head coaching job, but turned them down to stay in San Francisco.
Finally, given that Evans sought a team whose offense schemes would play to his strengths, there's good reason to think the six-time Pro-Bowl and two-time All-Pro receiver will play a big part in San Francisco's offense.
Last season, the 49ers’ leading receiver was running back and Comeback Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey. The team’s top receiver, Jauan Jennings, finished with 643 yards on 55 catches in 15 games.
Evans has eclipsed 1,000 in each of his 11 full seasons, matching Jerry Rice for the NFL record of consecutive 1,000-plus-yard campaigns.
Evans missed nine games last season with a broken collarbone, a concussion and a nagging hamstring injury.
When the 6-foot-5, 230-pounder is healthy, he remains formidable even into his mid-30s. (Evans will turn 33 in August.) In his last full season (2024), he ended the year with 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns on 74 receptions.
Losing Evans hurts the Buccaneers for reasons that go beyond sentimentally.
The good news for Tampa is there are multiple options in-house. The team has Chris Godwin, who is the second-leading receiver in team history, along with a trio of young wideouts.
2025 first-round pick Emeka Egbuka is already close to being a star, having been named an NFL Rookie of the Year finalist.
Seventh-round pick Tez Johnson overachieved as a rookie, and Jalen McMillan, a 2024 third-round pick, overcame a career-threatening neck injury to contribute to the Bucs down the stretch.
A fan favorite in Tampa, Evans’ time there will end with a packed trophy case that includes his Pro-Bowl and Alll-Pro selections and a Super Bowl LV championship.
The Buccaneers owners, the Glazer Family, penned a tribute to Evans.
No doubt he will return to Raymond James Stadium in retirement, when he will be inducted into the Buccaneers' Ring of Honor.
ㅤJoin our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!