Mike Evans has signed with the San Francisco 49ers after leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning an impressive A- grade from ESPN. The 49ers aim to bolster their wide receiver lineup with this move, which includes $16.3 million guaranteed.
The departure of Mike Evans remains one of the biggest moves in free agency this cycle when he bolted from Tampa Bay to San Francisco. The move has left a lot of people discussing the move in a variety of ways, with finger-pointing going on, as well as some asking what the state of the franchise is to see one of their greatest players leave.
While the Bucs continue to worry about what comes next, they have to move on while his new team gets to enjoy his play. They will get to enjoy the signing based on the grade that ESPN's Seth Walder gave it. He unveiled his final free agency grades, and the Evans one earned an impressive A-.
Walder explains, "After seemingly being flush with wide receiver talent not too long ago, the 49ers entered this offseason needing a wideout. They got a good one. Evans is finally leaving Tampa Bay, heading to San Francisco to join Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy. And while we're still waiting on all the contract details, the $16.3 million guaranteed makes it seem like they got a good deal. We'll work under the assumption that's the one-year cost -- which is what matters here."
Evans seems to still have some juice left, despite injuries slowing him down in 2025. The 49ers paid him with the idea he may be around beyond 2026, but if he isn't, it will be a move that will draw ire from fans all over again next offseason.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Mike Evans helps the 49ers earn a high grade in free agency
Mike Evans left the Buccaneers as part of the NFL free agency cycle, seeking a new opportunity with the San Francisco 49ers.
ESPN awarded the 49ers an A- grade for signing Mike Evans, highlighting the positive impact he is expected to have on the team.
Mike Evans' contract with the 49ers includes $16.3 million guaranteed, indicating a significant investment in his performance.
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