The offseason had not gone the way that Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans had hoped. While they did bring in the likes of running back Kenny Gainwell and linebacker Alex Anzalone, they had one huge departure in the form of superstar wide receiver Mike Evans. After being with the team since 2014, Evans tested out free agency and quickly signed a deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
Buccaneers fans already felt awful that Evans would be suiting up for another team. Then, the wide receiver made his first comments after signing with the 49ers, citing their fanbase as one of the reasons why he decided to make the move to San Francisco. It's been a rough week for Buccaneers fans.
Former Buccaneers defensive lineman Gerald McCoy took to social media to send a message to the fanbase, saying that instead of focusing on Evans' exit with the team, they should instead remember what he brought to the team during his Hall of Fame career.
Gerald McCoy tells Buccaners fans to remember Mike Evans' career instead of exit
"In life when great things end we tend to focus on the fact that it’s gone. Or how could it have lasted longer instead of remembering and focusing on the great that did happen…….. Mike Evans gave the Bucs and the city of Tampa his HOF career," writes Evans. "He made NFL history on our field, he caught his 100th TD on our field, he won a SB for the city on our field. He was selfless in every way. Selfless with his teammates, org and the city!! We couldn’t have asked for much else from him. Allow him to finally be about MIKE EVANS!! Which he never has been. Him wearing a different jersey will never take away from the fact he IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE A BUC!! Love yall!!"
In the moment, it will undoubtedly be tough for Buccaneers fans to move on from the fact that Evans left the organization for the first time in his career to join a potential Super Bowl contender. But there's no denying that when all is said and done, Evans will go down as one of the top players in Tampa Bay's history.
For Evans, he went thorugh the highs and lows of the BUccaneers franchise. From going 2-14 in his rookie season, to winning the Super Bowl with Tom Brady in 2020. Oh, and the 11 consecutive seasons of 1,000 receiving yards, tying the legendary Jerry Rice for the all-time record.
With his Buccaneers career over, Evans is now the franchise leader in receiving yards (13,052), receptions (866), and receiving touchdowns 108).
One thing is for certain, it's going to be difficult for Buccaneers fans to see the inevitable highlights of Evans making plays in a 49ers uniform next season.