Mike Evans has been synonymous with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the last 12 seasons. Now, he won’t be any longer. He’s heading to San Francisco to finish off the final few years of his career after the Buccaneers didn’t bring him back for a 13th season with the franchise.
Mike Evans Signing with 49ers
Evans will likely find himself in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when his career is over. His streak of 11 straight seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards was snapped due to injury struggles, and now he’s moving on to San Francisco.
Evans reportedly agreed to sign a three-year, $60.4 million deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The star receiver’s agent, Deryk Gilmore, spoke about Evans leaving for the 49ers.
“After twelve remarkable seasons in Tampa Bay, Mike Evans felt a desire to challenge himself with a new chapter in the final stage of his career. Throughout his entire career he has pushed himself to grow, compete, and evolve as a player, and this decision reflects that same mindset,” said Gilmore.
Statement on Mike Evans’ decision to depart Tampa from his agent Deryk Gilmore:
“After twelve remarkable seasons in Tampa Bay, Mike Evans felt a desire to challenge himself with a new chapter in the final stage of his career. Throughout his entire career he has pushed himself to…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
The 49ers dealt with injury problems to their receivers all year in 2025. They are taking a gamble by adding another injury risk, but if Evans is healthy, he is one of the best in the NFL.
San Francisco spent time without Brock Purdy, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle for chunks of 2025, but finally started getting healthy at the end of the year, until Kittle tore his Achilles in the playoffs as the injury bug bit the Niners again.
Evans is the best pass catcher on the outside for the 49ers. Christian McCaffrey is a beast of a receiving back, but won’t be relied on to win one-on-one on the outside. Evans ranked 65th in PFSN’s WR Impact Metric with an impact score of 72.1. The injury tanked his production, so a bounce back should be expected from Evans.
An offense with Purdy, McCaffrey, Evans, and Kittle is no joke. That offense under Kyle Shanahan’s play calling will keep opposing coaches up at night if they stay healthy.
A big question that needs answering is the future of All-Pro OT Trent Williams. The 49ers might move on after a contract dispute, and it would be a monumental move for this offensive line if they move on. Otherwise, Williams is another stud that would be on this offense in 2026.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
