Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans is reportedly set to sign a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers as an unrestricted free agent. This development follows his 12-season tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he became the franchise's all-time leading receiver. The reported contract with the 49ers could be valued at up to $60.4 million.
Evans Lands in San Francisco: The Free Agency Journey
Mike Evans, 32, entered unrestricted free agency after the conclusion of his contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Initial reports indicated interest from multiple NFL teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills. A return to the Buccaneers was also considered, though reports suggested the likelihood was below 50%.
Evans was reportedly evaluating teams based on factors such as strong offenses, quality quarterbacks, and Super Bowl contention potential.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Evans is expected to sign a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Jordan Schultz further reported the contract's potential value to be up to $60.4 million.
A Legacy in Tampa Bay: Evans' Historic Buccaneers Career
Evans spent 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, establishing himself as the franchise's leader in career receiving yards, accumulating 13,052 yards. He achieved 1,000 receiving yards in each of his initial 11 seasons with the team, matching a record held by Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.
Evans was part of the Buccaneers team that won Super Bowl LV following the 2020 season, a significant highlight of his tenure.
In the 2025 season, Evans played in four games, recording 14 receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. Injuries reportedly impacted his attempt to achieve a 12th consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2025.
According to a report by Albert Breer, Evans' departure from the Buccaneers in free agency stemmed from his request for a one-year contract with a higher salary than the team was prepared to offer.
Buccaneers React and Look Ahead
Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin responded to reports concerning Evans' departure by using a sad-faced emoji in response to an ESPN report. Godwin's career with the Buccaneers overlapped with Evans' for nine seasons. Both players were Pro Bowl selections in 2019, contributing a combined 2,490 receiving yards that year.
Godwin remains under contract with the Buccaneers for at least one additional season, with a club option for 2027. He has played 16 games over the past two seasons and is currently positioned as one of Tampa Bay's primary wide receivers alongside Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan.