After a storied 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mike Evans is finally moving on. The six-time Pro Bowler signed a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers during free agency, leaving Buccaneers fans shocked. Amid the discussion, franchise legend Gerald McCoy made his feelings clear regarding the move.
Gerald McCoy Defends Mike Evans After Blockbuster Deal
When Mike Evans announced his move to San Francisco on a 3-year contract worth $42.4 million, Tampa Bay fans were left shocked and, as many noted, felt betrayed. McCoy, however, recently reminded Buccaneers fans to appreciate the past, rather than focusing solely on the present.
On X, he wrote: “Bucs fans this is for yall…….. In life when great things end we tend to focus on the fact that it’s gone. Or how could it have lasted longer instead of remembering and focusing on the great that did happen…….. Mike Evans gave the Bucs and the city of Tampa his HOF career.”
“He made NFL history on our field, he caught his 100th TD on our field, he won a SB for the city on our field. He was selfless in every way. Selfless with his teammates, org and the city!! We couldn’t have asked for much else from him.”
“Allow him to finally be about MIKE EVANS!! Which he never has been. Him wearing a different jersey will never take away from the fact he IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE A BUC!! Love yall!!”
On another note, some felt that Evans, a two-time All-Pro and Super Bowl champion with the organization, owed something more.
One fan replied to McCoy, “I hear ya Gerald, and agree with what you said. But to leave and not even as much as a goodbye kinda stings. Someone who meant some much to this community just disappeared without a single acknowledgement. Just some generic statement from his agent.”
McCoy responded to the commenter by reiterating his initial stance. The message read: “His action was all you need. He left it all on the field and he touched that community with selfless after selfless act. He doesn’t need to say anything. He showed it.”
In addition to six Pro Bowls, two All-Pros, and a Vince Lombardi Trophy, Evans also tied the all-time record for consecutive seasons recording 1,000+ yards. The streak ended in 2025, after matching NFL legend Jerry Rice’s record of 11 straight years.
Evans, who posted an 81.8 WR Impact Score (per PFSN metrics) during his last healthy season in 2024, will provide a major boost to the 49ers’ offense, as he and his new squad aim to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026.
