Buccaneers' Todd Bowles reveals 3-word message on Mike Evans move

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew they were facing an uphill task to keep receiver Mike Evans as the star weapon wanted to test the free agent market.

And as such, Evans was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers, ending his storied tenure with the Buccaneers to join Kyle Shanahan's team.

While the Buccaneers knew that Evans was most likely leaving, it doesn't make it any easier when it becomes a reality.

And for head coach Todd Bowles, it was still tough to say goodbye.

"Oh man, that was tough," Bowles said on Good Morning Football via NFL.com. "He's the best of the best on and off the field. I can't say enough good things about him. They got a great one as they know, we know how great he was. Very hard to see him leave sentimentally and professionally from that standpoint for me and everybody else involved."

More: ESPN hints at key Jets trade for Geno Smith

Buccaneers fine without Evans?

As odd as it sounds, the Buccaneers might actually be fine-ish without No. 13 on the field.

Having had to get used to it last season as Evans dealt with injuries, the Bucs got a look at other players.

Now, as we approach the new season, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Tez Johnson make up Baker Mayfield's weapons. 

So, the Buccaneers aren't short of weapons in the passing game for 2026, but it will still be hard to replace a player like Evans.

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