Mike Evans Signs with the 49ers

In a recent statement about Mike Evans’ departure from the Buccaneers, general manager Jason Licht revealed that the team had made a “significantly higher” offer than what Evans ultimately accepted with the 49ers. It’s notable, considering Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler, signed a three-year, $42.5 million deal with San Francisco after spending 12 seasons in Tampa Bay, even as the Buccaneers actively tried to keep him.

Licht mentioned to reporters that, “We made a significantly higher offer [than the 49ers]. And that was just the first offer,” indicating that the Buccaneers were looking to negotiate further with Evans.

From his comments, it seems clear that the Buccaneers did want to make a strong case for Evans to stay. “I think we did everything we could,” Licht elaborated. He and Evans had numerous discussions about the situation, emphasizing their positive relationship. “When players have been at their level for a long time, we tend to have deeper conversations with those players, and there was basically nothing else we could do. I feel very strongly about that.” So, it seems there was genuine effort to retain him.

After signing with the 49ers, Evans’ agent stated that the choice was “not about money,” which Evans echoed during a press conference in San Francisco, suggesting other factors were at play.

Licht, who was behind the draft pick of Evans back in 2014, expressed that he wasn’t necessarily “betrayed” by the decision but that he felt “saddened” nonetheless.

“Mike gave us everything he had in his 12 seasons here and established himself as one of the best players in the league,” Licht noted. He continued, saying, “He’s earned the right to make this decision,” reiterating that such choices are part of the player’s journey. Sometimes, changes are just part of life, and, well, maybe Evans was ready to start a new chapter.