Buccaneers losers of Mike Evans deal for one key reason

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, as many expected, lost receiver Mike Evans in free agency, with the star weapon moving to another NFC team, the San Francisco 49ers.

For most, seeing Evans in another uniform in 2026 is going to take a lot of getting used to, but it was clear No. 13 wanted a change of scenery.

Now with the 49ers, Evans will get the chance to chase a Super Bowl with Kyle Shanahan, as he signed a three-year deal with the NFC West franchise.

And for ESPN's Ben Solak, there is only one thing to dislike about Evans' move to San Francisco.

"The only thing to dislike about this move is that Evans is no longer a Buccaneer," Solak wrote. "The fact that his contract with the 49ers is so team friendly is a clear sign that he wanted out of Tampa Bay."

More: Analyst has jarring reaction to 1 Raiders free agency deal

Bucs fine without Evans?

Maybe the franchise saw this coming, or maybe they didn't. Either way, the Buccaneers are by no means struggling with the loss of Evans.

At receiver, Baker Mayfield has Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Tez Johnson as his weapons. So, Tampa Bay won't exactly be starved of receivers in 2026.

Yes, having Evans would have been ideal, but it is clear he wanted to try something different.

And who knows, with Evans no longer a Buc, maybe it will be a blessing in disguise, as it could allow Egbuka and others to flourish.

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