NFL fans have seen Baker Mayfield throw to Mike Evans 308 times over the last three seasons. In 2026, that will be reduced to zero.
For the first time in his career, Evans will be suiting up for a different team. The receiver inked a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency, putting an end to his Tampa Bay Buccaneers career after 12 seasons. Evans had been considered a player who would remain with one team for the duration of his career, something that will not happen now.
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Mayfield shared his feelings regarding Evans’ departure when he spoke to reporters at a youth football camp on June 5.
More: Baker Mayfield has training camp deadline for contract extension with Buccaneers
“No way to sugarcoat it. It’s disappointing to not have him back,” Mayfield said, via Fox Sports’ Greg Auman. “Just the caliber player he is, he’s a Hall of Famer, thought he deserved to be a Buc for life. Things happen, but luckily him and I have a great relationship. Still be friends for life. I’ll be cheering him on except when we play them.”
However, it’s not all bad news.
Tampa’s roster might be without Evans, but Mayfield highlighted the talented group of receivers that remain. Specifically, he pointed out the presence of Chris Godwin, who is entering his 10th season. Unlike the previous nine, this will be Godwin’s first as the veteran leader of a young position group.
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“For Mike to leave it allows [Chris Godwin] to step up,” Mayfield said. “He’s always been an unbelievable leader but for him to really take charge of that room.”
Godwin and Evans have been no strangers to injuries over the years, meaning Tampa has had to build depth behind them. Those players will be given a chance to step up in 2026, but it comes after many of them got some valuable experience last season.
“With all the injuries that we had, a lot of guys played last year,” Mayfield said. “To also have [Jalen McMillan], Chris and Emeka [Egbuka] really, really healthy right now, feeling good to meet those guys and to watch the steps they’re taking from Year 1 to Year 2 when it comes to [Egbuka] and [Tez Johnson], watching them help Ted Hurst out as well.”
It might be a transition of sorts for the Bucs, given that Evans has been on the roster since 2014. Just don’t tell Mayfield that.
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“There’s a lot of weapons in that room,” he said. “So when you lose a guy like that you gotta have a lot of people fill those shoes. It’s not just one person and we have that.”
Tampa Bay’s next round of organized team activities (OTAs) is June 9-11, but the team’s mandatory minicamp will run from June 16-18. At that time, Mayfield will get back to work with his new group of wide receivers.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bucs’ Baker Mayfield disappointed by Mike Evans leaving in free agency
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