In his introductory press conference after signing with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans named George Kittle as one of the primary reasons for choosing his new team.
“George was the biggest salesman. George sold it big time, and he’s a big reason why I’m here, just because the type of player and teammate that he is,” Evans said.
Kittle later went in depth on his pitch to Evans during an appearance on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast, hosted by former NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan. Perhaps the most notable revelation was Kittle’s claim that Evans asked him weeks before free agency to make that pitch. It suggests Evans was exploring his options well before the free agency window opened, and had no intention of returning to Tampa Bay.
Mike Evans called George Kittle a few weeks ago to get the pitch on the 49ers… looks like Kittle closed the deal pic.twitter.com/EY5Xvx9ZcO
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) March 17, 2026
“Mike just asked me like two or three weeks ago. He was like, ‘Hey man, sell me on the Niners.’ And I was like, ‘OK, I’d love to,’” Kittle said.
Kittle detailed several ways San Francisco separates itself as a top tier organization. He noted the team provides breakfast, lunch and dinner for players seven days a week, with the cafeteria always open along with a full-time nutritionist, a contrast to some teams whose kitchens close by noon.
He also pointed to travel accommodations, including lay-down beds paid for by the team so starters can travel more comfortably. In addition, the 49ers hold two weekly health days, during which the organization covers recovery services such as massage, acupuncture and fascia therapy.
“[Principal owner Jed York] does such a good job of putting money back into the team so that we can be at our best,” Kittle stated.
“Our organization is ran like an NFL team is supposed to. If you asked a ten year old kid ‘What would you expect an NFL team to do?’ We do all of that, plus more.
It’s unclear whether the Buccaneers offer similar accommodations, but the impact of Kittle’s pitch suggests Tampa Bay may fall short compared to the standard he described in San Francisco.
That perception aligns with the NFLPA’s annual report cards, which allow players to grade their organizations. The 49ers ranked 14th overall, with players giving ownership an A- grade. The Buccaneers ranked 29th out of 32 teams, receiving a D grade from players.
The departure of a franchise legend after 12 seasons should serve as a serious moment of reflection for the Buccaneers. Evans was clearly disenchanted with the direction of the organization, both on and off the field. His willingness to seek out pitches from players on other teams before free agency proves how eager he was for a change of scenery.
Based on Kittle’s pitch and the corresponding player-graded evaluations, it appears Evans has landed with a more professional and player-focused operation in San Francisco. For the Buccaneers, the message is clear: Raising organizational standards, both on and off the field, must become a priority moving forward to prevent more franchise legends from wanting out of Tampa Bay in the future.