By Mallory Mattingly
After 12 incredible seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, wide receiver Mike Evans has signed with a new team.
“Obviously I wanted to be a Buccaneer. I know there were some things we were working through. And you know, when you play for one team for so long, you obviously think about what it’d be like playing somewhere else. And I have a lot of friends on other teams, and it was a cool dream. But, you know, Tampa is my home,” Evans said in a video shared by The Football U.
The Glazer family, who owns the Buccaneers, spoke about Evans time in Tampa.
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“Saying goodbye to a legend such as Mike Evans is never easy, but today we are filled with appreciation and gratitude for all that he did during his extraordinary 12-year career as a Buccaneer,” the family said. “Our goal was always to ensure that Mike would play his entire career as a Buccaneer, but as we got further in the process it became clear he was looking for a new challenge.”
The Glazers called him the “most accomplished offensive player in franchise history” as a six-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champ.
“…but it was his dedication to making a difference off the field that will define his lasting legacy in our community,” they emphasized. “We wish Mike continued success in his next chapter and thank him for all that he has done for the Buccaneers and Tampa Bay. When the time comes, we look forward to gathering once again to honor his many accomplishments and celebrate his eventual Hall of Fame career.”
Evans became the only wide receiver and player ever to have “11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. That streak also matched Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the longest run of 1,000-yard receiving seasons at any point in a player’s career. In addition, Evans ranks 10th in league history with 108 receiving touchdowns and could move up several more spots in 2026,” the Buccaneers media team reported.
“My first draft pick as general manager in 2014 was a 20-year-old Mike Evans. From the moment he walked in the door, Mike made an immediate and lasting impact on our franchise,” General Manager Jason Licht said of the stand out wide receiver. “Over the years, we watched him grow, thrive and develop into a franchise icon whose legacy will carry on well past his playing days. He has always meant a great deal to me professionally and personally, so it’s difficult to see him go elsewhere. I wish Mike, Ashli and their family the best as they move on.”
Evans has already signed a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
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