NFL Star Mike Evans Leaves Buccaneers, Signs with 49ers

The 12-year veteran wide receiver joins San Francisco on a 3-year, $60.4 million deal.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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After a storied 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, star wide receiver Mike Evans has agreed to sign with the San Francisco 49ers on a 3-year, $60.4 million contract. The 49ers were in need of proven pass-catching talent after injuries and roster turnover, and Evans, despite a down season in 2025, brings a Hall of Fame-caliber resume to their offense led by coach Kyle Shanahan.

Why it matters

Evans' departure marks the end of an era for the Buccaneers, who have seen their championship-winning roster from 2020 gradually disassemble. Meanwhile, the 49ers are betting that the 33-year-old Evans still has enough left in the tank to be a difference-maker and help them return to the Super Bowl, provided he can stay healthy after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign.

The details

Evans, who turns 33 next season, is coming off an injury-shortened 2025 season in which he played in just 8 games and had 368 receiving yards. However, prior to that, he had an incredible 11-year streak of 1,000-yard receiving seasons, tying the NFL record held by Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. The 49ers are hoping that with their offensive scheme led by coach Kyle Shanahan, they can get the best out of Evans for at least the next 1-2 seasons as they make a push for the Super Bowl.

  • Evans agreed to the 3-year, $60.4 million contract with the 49ers on March 9, 2026.

The players

Mike Evans

A 12-year veteran wide receiver who spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing with the San Francisco 49ers in 2026.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, known for his innovative offensive schemes that have helped the team reach the Super Bowl.

Brandon Aiyuk

A wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers who has had a tumultuous time with the team, leading to his likely departure.

George Kittle

The star tight end for the San Francisco 49ers who suffered an Achilles injury in the playoffs.

Jauan Jennings

A wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers who is set to become a free agent.

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What they’re saying

“Evans is coming off a down season and will be 33 years old next season, but injuries were the problem for him last season. Evans played in just eight games, mostly due to a broken collarbone. He had just 368 yards but his track record before dealing with injuries last season is one of the NFL's best.”

— Frank Schwab, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The 49ers will look to integrate Evans into their offense during the offseason program and training camp, with the goal of having him ready to contribute heavily in the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Mike Evans' departure from the Buccaneers marks the end of an era, but the 49ers are betting that the veteran receiver still has enough left in the tank to be a difference-maker for their Super Bowl-contending team. If Evans can stay healthy, his addition could be a major boost for San Francisco's passing attack.