According to Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, the team offered Evans more than what he ultimately accepted from San Francisco. Licht shared the details during a recent conversation with Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
"I feel like we did everything we could. I had a lot of talks with Mike about that," Licht said.
ESPN's Jenna Laine added that the offer from the Buccaneers was "significantly higher" than the one from the 49ers and suggested the team was willing to offer even more.
Evans didn't burn any bridges on his way out. Licht emphasized that the longtime Buccaneers receiver had earned the right to make his own decision after 12 seasons with the organization and was likely seeking a new challenge.
"I don't feel betrayed," Licht added. "He earned the right to make the decision … he loves this team. He loves everything about it … I think he wanted a new challenge."
Speaking with Bay Area reporters, Evans confirmed that leaving Tampa Bay—the only NFL team he had previously played for—was not easy. However, the opportunity to join the 49ers and play for head coach Kyle Shanahan was a major factor in his decision.
"I've always appreciated how the Niners went about their business on the football field," Evans said. "And I've got some guys here that have always told me great things about this organization, and I've always loved the way Kyle calls the games."
As Evans prepares to enter his 13th NFL season, the accomplished receiver remains motivated to prove he is still among the league's elite after failing to surpass 1,000 receiving yards last season—a first in his lengthy career.
"I always feel like I've got to prove something," Evans said. "I always feel like I can be better. And I want to show that I'm still who people believe that I am, and that's one of the best to ever do it."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Mike Evans left off ESPN's top-10 wide receiver rankings
The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran wide receiver Mike Evans this offseason as part of a major overhaul of their receiving corps. The hope is that the six-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion can elevate the offense while giving quarterback Brock Purdy a dependable... -
Graziano: 49ers might be getting a rejuvenated Mike Evans in 2026
ESPN's Dan Graziano joined KNBR this week to discuss the San Francisco 49ers as they prepare to open training camp. One of the team's biggest offseason moves was adding veteran wide receiver Mike Evans as part of a significant overhaul of the receiving corps. The biggest... -
Jerry Rice talks 49ers: Mike Evans addition, De'Zhaun Stribling, 2026 expectations
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 season with championship aspirations, believing they have a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl. Although the team finished third in the NFC West last season, it still earned a playoff berth despite injuries that ravaged the... -
49ers and Brandon Aiyuk: The drama has become repetitive
When he became the starter during his rookie year, quarterback Brock Purdy was consistently referred to by his draft-day moniker, "Mr. Irrelevant." As the Niners won and continued to win while he was the starter, reporters used the same phrase over and over again—that Purdy...