Overview
- Evans signed a three-year, $42.4 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers in March 2026 after 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Chris Godwin said he first thought reports of Evans’ deal were an internet hoax and texted quarterback Baker Mayfield, who replied with a sad-face emoji.
- Godwin has publicly wished Evans well and acknowledged he will assume a larger leadership and production role for the Bucs while younger receivers like Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan compete for more targets.
- The 49ers supplemented their receiver group this offseason by adding Evans, signing Christian Kirk, and using a top pick on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling to stabilize a unit that lost several veterans.
- Evans leaves as Tampa Bay’s all-time leader in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns, and his agent framed the move as a desire for a new challenge and a chance to chase another Super Bowl.