Mike Evans Leaves Buccaneers for 49ers

Longtime Tampa Bay wide receiver signs 3-year deal with San Francisco

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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After 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, star wide receiver Mike Evans has agreed to a 3-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, ending his tenure with the team that drafted him. The Buccaneers made a strong effort to re-sign Evans, but the veteran receiver chose to pursue individual accolades and milestones with the 49ers instead.

Why it matters

Evans has been one of the most productive and consistent receivers in Buccaneers history, helping the team win a Super Bowl in 2020. His departure is a major loss for the franchise and its fans, who had hoped he would spend his entire career in Tampa Bay.

The details

Evans agreed to a 3-year, $60 million contract with the 49ers, according to his agent. The Buccaneers reportedly offered a competitive deal to keep Evans, but the 29-year-old receiver decided to pursue individual goals like climbing the NFL's all-time receiving yards and touchdowns leaderboards, which he believes will be easier to accomplish in San Francisco's pass-heavy offense.

  • Evans has spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Buccaneers since being drafted by the team in 2014.
  • He agreed to the 49ers contract on the first day of the 2026 NFL free agency period.

The players

Mike Evans

A 12-year veteran wide receiver who has been one of the most productive players in Buccaneers history, making the Pro Bowl 7 times and helping the team win a Super Bowl in 2020.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The NFL franchise that drafted Evans in 2014 and has been his only team for his entire 12-year career prior to his departure in 2026.

San Francisco 49ers

The NFC West team that signed Evans to a 3-year, $60 million contract in free agency, luring him away from the Buccaneers.

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What they’re saying

“The Buccaneers were extremely aggressive in their pursuit and presented a very strong offer, but Mike felt this was the best decision for him and his family at this stage of his career.”

— Mike Evans' agent

What’s next

Evans will join the 49ers for the 2026 NFL season, where he will look to climb the league's all-time receiving yards and touchdowns leaderboards.

The takeaway

Evans' departure is a major loss for the Buccaneers, as he has been one of the franchise's all-time greats. However, his decision to pursue individual milestones with the 49ers is understandable, even if it comes at the expense of his Buccaneers legacy.