The copium for some on here is insane.
Evans turned down more money to go somewhere else and play for a contender (and better coach).
And, as just now posted, that's a massive indictment on Bowles (and to a degree Licht).
The Bucs didn't "move on from him".
He moved on for them...legacy be damned.
This is also completely false
Take a midol.
You’ll be okay.
Or, perhaps, you can watch your favorite Giants’ 3rd string QB make more of his goofy videos about World Cup.
He may have reacted rashly to not getting the deal he thought he deserved
This was the point of Prisco and Ryan and to some extent Licht
I really don't care what any of the talking heads say when it comes to Evans. Evans left because of ineptitude at the head coaching position. He will never say it. He will never admit it. That 3rd and 28 fiasco made his mind up for him; that's why he was mumbling, "3rd and 28" all the way back to the locker room after it happened. He left because Bowles is an idiot that has zero chance of fielding a real contender and Evans knew this. His career window is closing and he wanted to go somewhere that could legit give him another opportunity to win a ring.
I really don't care what any of the talking heads say when it comes to Evans. Evans left because of ineptitude at the head coaching position. He will never say it. He will never admit it. That 3rd and 28 fiasco made his mind up for him; that's why he was mumbling, "3rd and 28" all the way back to the locker room after it happened. He left because Bowles is an idiot that has zero chance of fielding a real contender and Evans knew this. His career window is closing and he wanted to go somewhere that could legit give him another opportunity to win a ring.
FWIW, I dont think Prisco and Ryan were saying this ^^ was false. And what they were pointing out was really indisputable (and likely HIGHLY motivating for Evans). They were saying that:
1) Evans camp suggested a $27 million offer
2) that suggestion was FALSE as proven by the fact . .
3) that he took a sub-market offer from the 49ers, an offer that he arranged by reaching out to the 49ers
I dont doubt the Bucs offered more to keep their 1st ballot HOFer on the team and would have offered even more (Licht emphasized that their offer was higher AND ONLY THE FIRST) but the point of Prisco and Ryan, which was directed at Evans' agent, was that there was a VERY MODEST market for Evans' 2026 services likely because as great as he has bene hes 33 and has been injured and slowed.
Evans is always linked to Devante Adams. Adams is playing this season under a $24 million contract. Evans will play under a $14 million contract. His agent floated $27 million OFFER. First time really I have seen a leak sort of laughed at in the press.
If Evans was PERCEIVED as STILL a 1st ballot HOFER on the field (the unstoppable man beater) he doesnt just quit the Bucs for another team, he has sort of his call of the market, a bidding war. He didnt have that happen at all. Not even close. This is why i said he probably KILLS it this year because his primary motivation has always been silencing doubters. he has a much better chance of killing it this year with the 49ers than the Bucs. 1000%
NONE OF THIS ABOUT THE 2026 MARKET IS A KNOCK ON EVANS. Its just a reminder that the league is built on "what have you done lately realism" realism. Derrick Brooks sat for a year waiting for anyone to pick him up . . and then retired.
I really don't care what any of the talking heads say when it comes to Evans.
Nor should you. Those talking heads have been proven wrong, along with leghumpers that swallowed it up and are still running it:
Speaking on CBS Sports HQ, longtime NFL insider Pete Prisco and analyst Logan Ryan (former Mike Evans teammate) both said they don't believe Evans received an offer from the Bucs that matched the 49ers'.
Not only did the Bucs match the 49ers' offer - Licht "significantly" beat it with his first offer. The first ballot HOF WR did not want to continue his career in Tampa Bay under the current regime. After being WR1 for Tampa Bay for over a decade, he'll now the be WR1 for the San Francisco 49ers.
The copium for some on here is insane.
Evans turned down more money to go somewhere else and play for a contender (and better coach).
And, as just now posted, that's a massive indictment on Bowles (and to a degree Licht).
The Bucs didn't "move on from him".
He moved on for them...legacy be damned.
THIS 100%
You guys believe what you want to believe. Generally speaking the coriolis effect will flush this garbage down the toilet but you guys can’t seem to let it go.
Mike Evans is no longer playing in Tampa and both him and Tampa are better off for it. It’s not that deep.
one more time . .
The "palace intrigue" I referenced doesn't unravel to "he quit because of Bowles" narrative, it only suggests a truism: the market for Evans was pretty small. He went to a team that he sought out for sub market money.
If anything that EMPHASIZES the Bowles part. You could argue he wanted out from BOWLES badly.
Of course Licht says differently and that sets up a hilarious commentary about shaping the facts to one's own truth and how that approach INEViTABLY collides with LOGIC.
Mr. "GM Speak" says Licht is not "GM speaking" this time, he is telling the truth about the contract offer (I think he is too ) . . . . but only about the CONTRACT OFFER, not about Evans motivation . . that was really Bowles. 3rd and 28.
"what he supposed to say" is the next reply in the sequence
:-)
No knows and we all may never know, but I said there was "palace intrigue" because all involved were INTENTIONALLY using vague descriptions. There was "a team" offering $27, but suddenly Evans was leaving and there was no team offering $27M. And of course the Bucs offered "substantially more" and it was just their "first offer" because the Bucs would never wnat Evans to leave but if he did they'd want it clear it wasn't them.
Note that Prisco and Ryan never disputed Licht's account and no further stories written, aside from Prisco dropping Evans off his list of 100.
Mike Evans is no longer playing in Tampa and both him and Tampa are better off for it
This, 100%
Evans has a much better chance of killing it in 2026 with the 49ers and that is what we all should want for Evans.
The Bucs have a chance to have a much more diverse passing game, something that worked very well for them in 2024, and to see what several young WRs might bring to the next generation of Bucs.
win, win.
Yeah, I get it Olaf. I also recognize when the season isn't in full swing, they need something to talk about and Evans leaving the Bucs is some major news. I just think it's a shame that the truth will be hidden from plain view because of professionalism by both the Bucs and Evans, but I would almost be willing to bet the farm he left because of Bowles.I really don't care what any of the talking heads say when it comes to Evans. Evans left because of ineptitude at the head coaching position. He will never say it. He will never admit it. That 3rd and 28 fiasco made his mind up for him; that's why he was mumbling, "3rd and 28" all the way back to the locker room after it happened. He left because Bowles is an idiot that has zero chance of fielding a real contender and Evans knew this. His career window is closing and he wanted to go somewhere that could legit give him another opportunity to win a ring.
FWIW, I dont think Prisco and Ryan were saying this ^^ was false. And what they were pointing out was really indisputable (and likely HIGHLY motivating for Evans). They were saying that:
1) Evans camp suggested a $27 million offer
2) that suggestion was FALSE as proven by the fact . .
3) that he took a sub-market offer from the 49ers, an offer that he arranged by reaching out to the 49ers
I dont doubt the Bucs offered more to keep their 1st ballot HOFer on the team and would have offered even more (Licht emphasized that their offer was higher AND ONLY THE FIRST) but the point of Prisco and Ryan, which was directed at Evans' agent, was that there was a VERY MODEST market for Evans' 2026 services likely because as great as he has bene hes 33 and has been injured and slowed.
Evans is always linked to Devante Adams. Adams is playing this season under a $24 million contract. Evans will play under a $14 million contract. His agent floated $27 million OFFER. First time really I have seen a leak sort of laughed at in the press.
If Evans was PERCEIVED as STILL a 1st ballot HOFER on the field (the unstoppable man beater) he doesnt just quit the Bucs for another team, he has sort of his call of the market, a bidding war. He didnt have that happen at all. Not even close. This is why i said he probably KILLS it this year because his primary motivation has always been silencing doubters. he has a much better chance of killing it this year with the 49ers than the Bucs. 1000%
NONE OF THIS ABOUT THE 2026 MARKET IS A KNOCK ON EVANS. Its just a reminder that the league is built on "what have you done lately realism" realism. Derrick Brooks sat for a year waiting for anyone to pick him up . . and then retired.
You're not wrong, knees. Both parties are better for him leaving. I will shine a light on your refusal to acknowledge the grinning idiot as anything other than a less than average head coach who was handed the keys to the kingdom that he wasn't nor ever will be equipped or qualified to coach.You guys believe what you want to believe. Generally speaking the coriolis effect will flush this garbage down the toilet but you guys can’t seem to let it go.
Mike Evans is no longer playing in Tampa and both him and Tampa are better off for it. It’s not that deep.
You're not wrong, knees. Both parties are better for him leaving. I will shine a light on your refusal to acknowledge the grinning idiot as anything other than a less than average head coach who was handed the keys to the kingdom that he wasn't nor ever will be equipped or qualified to coach.You guys believe what you want to believe. Generally speaking the coriolis effect will flush this garbage down the toilet but you guys can’t seem to let it go.
Mike Evans is no longer playing in Tampa and both him and Tampa are better off for it. It’s not that deep.
Not here to defend Bowles. I do think we have a solid season in Tampa.
almost be willing to bet the farm he left because of Bowles.
I mean, there are many signs that that is exactly the case. Or, just team in flux and 4th OC in as many years versus one of the bets offensive minds in the game.
In reality it almost always has to be a little of both. If the Bucs offer him that $27M he's probably still here, but that arguably not great for him or the Bucs. Bucs coming of 12 wins and legit playoffs, he probably stays.
Sort of like teams drafting BPA but always with some measure of need. Little of both in play.
Its a potential great outcome for all involved. He gets his last great year or two and goes in to the HOF on the first ballot as a Buc. He will also return home to the ROH. Best offensive Buc of all time.
Agree 100% on most everything you say here but I refuse to let Bowles off the hook (and I know you aren't defending Bowles).almost be willing to bet the farm he left because of Bowles.
I mean, there are many signs that that is exactly the case. Or, just team in flux and 4th OC in as many years versus one of the bets offensive minds in the game.
In reality it almost always has to be a little of both. If the Bucs offer him that $27M he's probably still here, but that arguably not great for him or the Bucs. Bucs coming of 12 wins and legit playoffs, he probably stays.
Sort of like teams drafting BPA but always with some measure of need. Little of both in play.
Its a potential great outcome for all involved. He gets his last great year or two and goes in to the HOF on the first ballot as a Buc. He will also return home to the ROH. Best offensive Buc of all time.
Back on topic, I think Wirfs is every bit as deserving of this recognition as anyone should be. The offense is just better with him on the field. I don't think I agree with Baker's placement, though it is hard to argue with his ups and downs.
Baker is one of the most complete QBs in the league. His, leadership, grit, arm strength, mobility, and desire to push the ball down field are certainly top 10 in the league. He’ll get his soon enough. And when he does it will be in Tampa.
