Jason Licht Disputes Narrative Around Mike Evans’ Exit to San Francisco 49ers

There was a time when Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans felt that veteran wide receiver Mike Evans would eventually retire with the team. His dedication to the franchise was such that his leaving was not a question.

That changed during this offseason when the 32-year-old decided he had to leave the franchise, which possibly points to him believing that the team has reached its peak.

Any player at that age wants to win a Super Bowl so that they can talk about it to their grandchildren. Since Evans has already won it once before, his hunger for a second may have prompted him to leave the city he called home for 12 seasons.

Neither is Baker Mayfield equivalent to Tom Brady, nor is Brock Purdy. But still, the San Francisco 49ers are, when healthy, a complete team, and could offer the six-time Pro Bowler a legitimate chance to battle for another Vince Lombardi trophy.

On top of that, there were rumors that the Buccaneers did not value Mike Evans enough, prompting him to leave the city and join the 49ers on the opposite coast.

We made a significantly higher offer [than the 49ers], and that was just the first offer… I feel like we did everything we could.

Jason Licht told ESPN’s Jenna Laine

Bucs general manager Jason Licht said of the team trying to keep Mike Evans: “We made a significantly higher offer [than the 49ers] and that was just the first offer." He added, "I feel like we did everything we could."

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 18, 2026

This was Buccaneers GM Jason Licht confirming that the star wide receiver did not move across the country just because he received a better offer. Rather, with him confirming that they had indeed offered more money, it seems it was more about competing.

Jason Licht does not feel ‘betrayed’ with Mike Evans’ departure

After Mike Evans left for the San Francisco 49ers, there were some who claimed that he betrayed his GM, who selected him with his first-ever draft pick.

I don’t feel betrayed. I’m in mourning. Mike gave us everything he had for his 12 seasons here and established himself as one of the best players in the league. So to say it again, one of our best players we’ve ever had — I don’t feel betrayed. He earned the right… He earned the right to make this decision.

Jason Licht said

Jenna Laine continued to detail in her article how much the wide receiver meant to the 55-year-old and his family. After all, Evans gave a signed jersey to Jason Licht‘s then five-year-old son, reminding him that his father made the best choice drafting him.

Speaking for the first time since Mike Evans’ departure, Bucs GM Jason Licht said he “does not feel betrayed” after Evans said on numerous occasions that he wanted to be a Buc his whole career. “Sometimes you’re just ready for another chapter,” Licht said https://t.co/xVxNdltGA6

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 18, 2026

Now, the GM believes that his first-ever draft pick has done enough for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and earned the right to do what is best for himself and his family.

Mike Evans will make 49ers an offensive juggernaut

While Jason Licht and his fellow Tampa Bay Buccaneers executives work hard to replace Mike Evans, the San Francisco 49ers are looking forward to the veteran wideout elevating the offense.

Last season, the unit stagnated, partly because of a lack of good receivers, compounded by Brandon Aiyuk‘s continuous disappearance, and then multiple injuries also played a hand. The struggles with health have become a persistent problem, but the franchise is working hard to fix it and also dispel theories that the electrical substation is causing them.

The hope is that once everyone is healthy, the big-bodied receiver’s consistency and glue-like hands will push the rest of the 49ers’ offensive players to step up their performances. Once the defense is back healthy and the 49ers manage to dial in their offense, expect Mike Evans and his new teammates to go for glory.

Some players rejoining the team late due to injuries might bring their own problems. However, there is a reason why the 49ers signed the two-time All-Pro to a three-year deal.

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