Trending Now - Bucs' Licht Acknowledges Evans' Desire for New Opportunity

WHO:

Mike Evans, wide receiver, signed with the San Francisco 49ers

Jason Licht, general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Deryk Gilmore and Darren Jones, agents for Mike Evans

Todd Bowles, head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jalen McMillan, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, teammates of Mike Evans

WHAT:

Mike Evans signed a three-year deal worth $42.5 million with the San Francisco 49ers

The deal amounts to a one-year deal worth $14.3 million since all but $2 million of the guarantees are paid in the first year

Licht stated, "I don’t feel betrayed. He earned the right to make this decision."

Licht mentioned that the Buccaneers made a "significantly higher offer" than the 49ers to retain Evans

Evans had a career-low of 3.75 catches per game in 2025

WHERE:

Tampa Bay, Florida

San Francisco, California

WHEN:

Evans signed with the 49ers on March 12th, 2026

Licht's comments were made on March 18th, 2026

Evans' first game back from a broken collarbone was in Week 15 of the 2025 season

WHY:

Licht indicated that Evans wanted "a new challenge"

Evans stated, "The money was not the biggest factor for me. It was just football and something that I can be excited about."

HOW:

Licht and Evans communicated frequently during the offseason

Licht expressed excitement about the Bucs' young receiving corps and new coaching staff additions

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 01:26 UTC)

Mike Evans has officially signed a three-year deal worth $42.5 million with the San Francisco 49ers, a move that comes after he expressed a desire for a new challenge in his career. Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht noted that the team made a significantly higher offer to retain Evans, but he respects the decision, stating, "I don’t feel betrayed. He earned the right to make this decision." Licht's comments followed Evans' signing on March 12, and he highlighted the Buccaneers' excitement about their young receiving corps and new coaching staff.