The Bucs tried everything they could to keep Mike Evans in Tampa Bay. They put out as many convincing factors as one could to bring back the greatest offensive player in team history. But ultimately, Mike Evans just wanted a new chapter in his career. Bucs general manager Jason Licht conveyed this message making his first statements about a colossal loss for Licht and the organization.

The first ever draft pick made by Licht was Mike Evans 12 seasons ago. This was emotional for everybody, which makes it that much more difficult to deal with. There’s so much history involved. Tampa Bay also was willing to push as many chips into the pile financially to get the job done, but they were still turned down.

Bucs Made Big Offer To Mike Evans

“He means everything to me, but he means everything to the entire organization, Licht said. “Obviously the best offensive player we’ve ever had and an even better person than he is a player. “Its always tough. That one’s really tough. We made a significantly higher offer. That was just the first offer.”

“Of course ideally you want him to be a one helmet player. But if you look back, there are several of those great players in that categories – Dan Marino goes to mind because I was there, Barry Sanders, all those. But for everyone you name there’s Jerry Rice, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Tom Brady that just at some point want another chapter.

Licht than detailed the emotional impact it had.

“He already established himself as the best player we’ve ever had on offense, eleven straight years of 1,000 yards, setting records, won a Super Bowl. My conversations with him, we got emotional, both us, at times. He said I’m leaving this with a great room. And he just professed his love for out team, our players, our coaches, owners, he and I were texting during the Super Bowl how we beat the Seahawks and the Patriots – had a close game there.  We were right there.”

“I think it just came down to a decision that he and his family wanted a new chapter.”

Jason Licht Doesn’t Feel Betrayed

“I don’t feel betrayed. Mike gave us everything he had for his 12 seasons here and established himself as one of the best players in the league, he’s one of the best players we’ve ever had. “Sometimes you’re just ready for another chapter. I don’t know if you ask the Patriots if they felt betrayed with Tom (Brady).

“I feel like we did everything we could. There’s basically nothing we could have done differently. I feel pretty strongly about that.”

Licht wanted to specify as well how much admiration he still has for his former teammates. He’s still optimistic about what they can do this season.

“He talked about our team, he loves this team. He loves everything about it.”

Should Jason Licht Have Offered More Years On Evans’ Previous Contract?

Evans infamously said two season ago that he wanted to be a ‘Buc for life.’ That of course didn’t happen with his decision this offseason. When asked if he regrets not adding more years to his previous deal, Licht discussed that the ball was in Evans’ court when it came to that display.

“He knew that we had verbal agreement that he could be here as long as he wants. There was never any clamoring on his part to add years to it. I also don’t want to hold him hostage either. I really don’t have any regret about it at that time.”

Evans goes into his 13th year on a new team for the first time while Licht begins the post-era Evans with the Bucs. Licht still believes that Tampa Bay can be a high powered offense, but it’ll feel different without having their face of the franchise around.