Even though he signed with the San Francisco 49ers months ago, it still feels a little bit odd to see veteran wide receiver Mike Evans not wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform.
It’s been a welcome sight for Niners fans who have to be thrilled to have a veteran, drama-free receiver on the team after the unceasing drama of Brandon Aiyuk in recent years.
Yet, for Bucs fans, it must feel somewhat surreal, and the comments Evans has made about San Francisco can be interpreted in negative ways by Tampa Bay.
He said this is the best team he has been part of since the Super Bowl-winning Bucs squad he was part of in Tampa Bay back in 2021. He’s also said that coming to San Francisco has rejuvenated him, saying on KNBR, “This team has definitely felt like it’s rejuvenized me and potentially added some years to my career. We’ll see down the line, but I love it here. A great roster, a great coaching staff, a great franchise and something I wanted to be a part of.”
Mike Evans' 49ers comments shed light on change of scenery from Buccaneers
It certainly sounds like he needed a change after being in Tampa Bay for so long. His decision to join the Niners could provide ammunition for defenders of quarterback Brock Purdy, and it’s telling he signed with the Niners for less money than the Bucs offered him.
This isn’t to suggest Evans hates the Bucs or Baker Mayfield and disavows his entire tenure there. But he’s about to be 33 years old. He’s been around for a long time, and sometimes a veteran player needs a change of scenery to give themselves some fresh motivation.
One could argue that’s why Tom Brady had such great success with the Buccaneers after such a storied run with the New England Patriots. He needed a refresh and probably wanted to get away from head coach Bill Belichick. It worked out, as Brady got another ring.
Evans felt the Niners gave him his best shot at another ring. Whether they will be able to provide that is a big question mark. The fact the veteran receiver is already banged up and San Francisco’s injury report is already pretty lengthy this early in training camp isn’t a great sign, but it’s still early.
It’s still telling that Evans speaks so highly about the organization. The Bucs probably feel a little hurt or somewhat shaded by his praise of San Francisco, but 49ers fans won’t complain, especially if Evans has a great year in red and gold.
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