Another Buccaneers Player is Distraught Mike Evans Joined the 49ers

Mike Evans leaving the Buccaneers still stings for them.

Sep 15, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) looks on after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Losing a player like Mike Evans hit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers like cold water on the back of their neck.

He had been there for 12 years of his career. Now, he's done the unimaginable by departing them and signing with the San Francisco 49ers. Their loss is the 49ers' massive gain.

Evans' departure still has lingering effects on the team. First, it was Chris Godwin opening up about how stunned he was by it. Now it is Baker Mayfield who is distraught by it.

Mayfield opens up about Evans joining the 49ers

"There's no way to sugarcoat it. It's disappointing to not have him back," said Mayfield. "Just the caliber player he is. He's a Hall of Famer. Thought he was going to be a Buc for life. Things happen, but luckily, him and I have a great relationship, still be friends for life, and I'll be cheering him on except when we play them, if it comes down to it."

You can't blame Mayfield for how he feels. This is the first OTAs for him and the Buccaneers without Evans. It's the first instance for him to realize that Evans truly is gone.

Seeing the news is one thing, but once he gets to see on the field that Evans is absent, that is when it'll truly set in. It's a brutal sight for him and the Buccaneers.

But that's the NFL. Not every franchise legend remains on a team throughout their career. Plenty of 49ers legends have departed for other teams during their historic careers.

Again, the Buccaneers' loss is the 49ers' massive gain. They needed to improve their wide receiver position, especially with Brandon Aiyuk going AWOL.

The 49ers will make sure that the Buccaneers' pain in watching Evans leave isn't in vain. He's in the perfect offensive system to thrive in, with Kyle Shanahan calling the plays.

He's also going to connect well with Brock Purdy. The downfield rapport won't be the same as with Mayfield, but everything else should be just as good, if not better, with Purdy.

“I love Brock, man. He’s a big reason why I came here,” said Evans. “He throws a really great ball. I’m getting the timing down with him now. Super smart. He’s about his business too.

"He comes to work every single day. He’s a quiet guy, but me and him talk about not just football, but life. He’s a really cool guy, and I look forward to having a great connection with him this year.”

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