Bucs GM Admits Losing Mike Evans to 49ers ‘Really Tough’
· Yahoo Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still coming to terms with the departure of one of the most important players in franchise history, and general manager Jason Licht didn’t shy away from that reality when speaking to reporters this week.
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After the San Francisco 49ers landed Mike Evans on a deal, Licht was candid about how difficult it was to see the longtime wide receiver move on.
“That one’s really tough,” Licht said. “We made a significantly higher offer. I don’t feel betrayed. Mike gave us everything he had for his 12 seasons here.”
That alone says plenty about how this situation unfolded.
For a player of Evans’ caliber, a consistent 1,000-yard receiver and one of the most productive wideouts of his generation, the expectation would have been a larger payday on the open market. Instead, he chose a one year deal with San Francisco, a move that signals Evans has priorities beyond just money at this stage of his career.
It’s not hard to read between the lines.
Evans is 32 years old and, despite still producing at a high level, has dealt with injuries in recent seasons. The opportunity to join a contender like the 49ers, paired with a quarterback like Brock Purdy and play caller like Kyle Shanahan, likely offered something Tampa Bay simply couldn’t: a clearer path to another deep playoff run.
Licht acknowledged as much, pointing to the natural evolution that comes with a veteran player nearing the back end of his career.
“Sometimes, you’re just ready for another chapter,” he said. “I don’t know if you ask the Patriots if they felt betrayed with Tom [Brady]. I don’t feel betrayed. He talked about our team; he loves this team. He loves everything about it.”
That comparison to Tom Brady is telling. Just as Brady eventually moved on from New England in search of something new, Evans appears to be doing the same. It doesn’t appear to be something out of frustration, but out of timing.
And from Tampa Bay’s perspective, there doesn’t seem to be any lingering resentment.
Licht made it clear the organization had long maintained an open door approach with Evans, even suggesting the receiver could have stayed as long as he wanted.
“He knew that we had a verbal agreement that he could be here as long as he wanted,” Licht said. “There was never any clamoring on his part to add years to it. I also don’t want to hold him hostage, either.”
That’s a notable detail, especially given how often contract disputes can turn contentious. In this case, both sides appear to have handled things with mutual respect, a rarity in today’s NFL.
Licht also dismissed the idea that any one moment, including Tampa Bay’s late game collapse in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons last season, played a role in Evans’ decision. Instead, the departure feels more like the natural conclusion of a long and successful partnership.
“I’m happy for Mike and happy he found a place he wants to be,” Licht added.
That may be the biggest takeaway.
Evans got to choose where he wanted to go. And he chose a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. For the 49ers, that’s a massive win. For the Buccaneers, it’s the end of an era. And for Evans, it sets up what is essentially another contract year.