The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered a new era this offseason when wide receiver Mike Evans left in free agency to join the San Francisco 49ers.
Speaking with reporters on Friday, quarterback Baker Mayfield addressed Evans’ departure and what it means for the team moving forward.
Mayfield Calls Evans’ Exit “Disappointing”
Mayfield did not hide his feelings when discussing the loss of one of his top targets.
“There’s no way to sugar-coat it — it’s disappointing to not have him back,” Mayfield said about Evans, per Jenna Laine of ESPN.
“Just the caliber of player he is — he’s a Hall of Famer — I thought he deserved to be a Buc for life. Things happen. But luckily, him and I have a great relationship. We’ll still be friends for life. I’ll be cheering him on except when we play them, if it comes down to it.”
Evans signed with the 49ers during free agency after spending his entire career with the Buccaneers.
Buccaneers Looking for Multiple Players to Step Up
With Evans no longer in Tampa Bay, 2025 rookie Emeka Egbuka is on track to become the team’s No. 1 receiver. Chris Godwin is also expected to take on a larger leadership role within the wide receiver room.
Mayfield praised Godwin’s leadership and pointed to several receivers who can help fill the void left by Evans.
“He’s always been an unbelievable leader, but for him to really take charge of that room, and for the guys that, with all the injuries that we had, a lot of guys played last year,” Mayfield said about Godwin. “To also have [Jalen McMillan], Chris and Emeka really, really healthy right now, feeling good — to lead those guys and just to watch the steps from Year 1 to Year 2 when it comes to Meck and [Tez Johnson] and watching them help (rookie) Ted Hurst out as well. There’s a lot of weapons in that room. And so when you lose a guy like [Evans], you got to have a lot of people fill those shoes, not just one person, and we have that.”
Contract Talks Remain Ongoing
While discussing a variety of topics Friday, Mayfield also spoke about his contract situation.
According to the report, Mayfield has set the start of training camp as his deadline for contract negotiations. Whether the Buccaneers and Mayfield reach an agreement before camp begins remains uncertain.
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