Mike Evans’ decision to leave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason in favor of the San Francisco 49ers was one of the more heart wrenching moments in Bucs history.
Evans spent 12 years in Tampa Bay and cemented himself as the best offensive player in franchise history, and one of the most beloved players among fans. It felt like a guarantee that he’d finish his career with the Buccaneers, but he felt he had a better chance to compete for a Super Bowl in San Francisco.
49ers QB Brock Purdy reminds Buccaneers what they’re missing without Mike Evans
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was asked about having Mike Evans as a teammate entering the 2026 season, and it’s a reality check for the Buccaneers.
“He’s been awesome,” Purdy said, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “Obviously, just what he’s done in his career, he’s a Hall of Famer, 1,000-yard seasons really year after year, his whole career. He’s won a Super Bowl. Just like being around him and in his presence and understanding, you know, what it’s going to take to play with him, and just honestly like the good pressure that it brings,”
“Like, all right, I have a guy that is demanding success and demanding to be great. And I love that. I want to play with guys like that.”
Purdy’s comments are a harsh reminder about what the Buccaneers lost in their former franchise wide receiver. Evans’ reliable veteran presence, winning mindset, and demand for greatness will certainly be missed in Tampa Bay’s locker room.
Luckily, the Bucs have plenty of other veterans on the roster, and they’ll need new leadership to step up and help replace Evans.
And while the Buccaneers still boast one of the league’s deeper wide receiver rooms, it’ll be a tough pill to swallow watching Evans catch touchdown passes wearing a different uniform.
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