Buccaneers GM makes perfect comment on Mike Evans' 49ers move

Dec 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) walks on the field during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew it was going to be a tough task to keep Mike Evans in the building, and that proved true, with the star receiver signing with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency.

Evans had spent his entire career with the Buccaneers, and some thought that if he was going to continue playing, it would be with Tampa Bay. But now he's a 49er. Something that will take fans a lot of getting used to.

But is there maybe a thought that Evans should have stayed with Tampa Bay instead of going ring chasing in 2026?

Well, general manager Jason Licht detailed that he doesn't feel slighted by Evans' decision to change teams.

“I don’t feel betrayed," Licht said via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "He earned the right to make the decision…he loves this team. He loves everything about it…I think he wanted a new challenge.”

More: Chiefs begin AFC ascension in latest offseason power rankings

Bucs fine without Evans?

If there is one position that the Buccaneers are deep at, it's receiver.

Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, Tez Johnson, and Jalen McMillan will be Baker Mayfield's weapons in 2026, and you can argue that this is one of the better groups of receivers in the league.

With Evans dealing with injuries the past two seasons, Tampa has gotten used to not playing with him, so the change in 2026 won't be as big as some think.

Yes, having Evans would be ideal, but the Buccaneers aren't exactly scrambling to fill his roster spot, are they?

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