Introduction
Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans has been one of the most consistent playmakers in the NFL for more than a decade. After spending his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Evans made headlines during the 2026 NFL offseason by signing with the San Francisco 49ers.
The move came after years of elite production, injury setbacks, and speculation about his future as a free agent. Here’s a complete breakdown of Evans’ contract details, injuries, trade rumors, and the deal that sent him to San Francisco.
Mike Evans Contract Details
In March 2026, Mike Evans agreed to a three-year contract worth up to $60.4 million with the San Francisco 49ers, marking the end of his 12-season run with Tampa Bay.
Reports suggest the contract includes incentives and guarantees that could increase the total value, while also giving the 49ers flexibility with their salary cap.
Before leaving Tampa Bay, Evans had signed a two-year, $52 million extension in 2024 with the Buccaneers, keeping him with the team through the 2025 season.
Key Contract Facts
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New team: San Francisco 49ers
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Deal length: 3 years
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Maximum value: $60.4 million
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Guaranteed money: reported around $16 million+ in early contract structure reports
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Position: Wide Receiver
The contract shows that even in his 30s, Evans remains a valuable veteran receiver.
Free Agency and Move to the 49ers
Evans entered the 2026 offseason as one of the most notable veteran wide receivers potentially available in free agency. Multiple teams—including the Bills, Chargers, Giants, and 49ers—were rumored to be interested.
Ultimately, the 49ers secured Evans as part of their wide receiver rebuild, giving quarterback Brock Purdy a proven deep threat.
San Francisco’s receiving group needed veteran leadership and reliable red-zone production, both of which Evans has consistently provided during his career.
Mike Evans Injury History
Although Evans has been extremely productive, injuries affected his recent seasons.
During the 2025 NFL season, he missed significant time due to:
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Hamstring injury
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Concussion
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Broken collarbone
Because of those injuries, Evans played only eight games, finishing with 30 receptions, 368 yards, and three touchdowns that season.
Despite the setbacks, teams still view him as a high-impact receiver when healthy.
Trade Rumors Before the Deal
Before signing with San Francisco, there were multiple trade and free-agency rumors surrounding Evans. Analysts believed the Buccaneers might move on from the veteran receiver as the team entered a potential rebuild.
The 49ers had been mentioned as a possible landing spot weeks before the deal because they were searching for an experienced wide receiver to strengthen their offense.
Ultimately, Evans left Tampa Bay in free agency rather than via trade.
Mike Evans Career Highlights
Mike Evans built a legendary career with the Buccaneers after being selected in the 2014 NFL Draft. His accomplishments include:
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11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start his career
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6 Pro Bowl selections
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Super Bowl champion with Tampa Bay
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Over 100 career receiving touchdowns
His streak of 1,000-yard seasons tied the record previously set by Jerry Rice.
Why the 49ers Signed Mike Evans
The 49ers signed Evans for several reasons:
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Red-zone dominance – Evans is one of the best touchdown receivers in the league.
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Veteran leadership – His 12 years of experience help guide younger receivers.
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Deep-threat ability – He stretches defenses and creates space for teammates like George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey.
The signing signals that San Francisco is still pushing for a Super Bowl title run.
Conclusion
Mike Evans’ move to the San Francisco 49ers marks one of the biggest wide receiver stories of the 2026 NFL offseason. After a historic career with the Buccaneers, Evans now begins a new chapter with a contender looking to strengthen its passing attack.
While injuries have slowed him in recent seasons, Evans’ size, experience, and scoring ability make him a valuable addition. If he stays healthy, the veteran receiver could play a major role in the 49ers’ championship hopes.
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