Emeka Egbuka reacts to Mike Evans leaving Buccaneers for 49ers

Some wondered if, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, people within the Buccaneers viewed him as an eventual replacement for franchise legend Mike Evans.

Egbuka has become just that, as Evans left Tampa Bay to sign a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. Some previously suggested that Evans took a shot or two at the Buccaneers and at Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield after joining the 49ers, but Egbuka had only positive things to say about his former teammate while speaking with reporters at a Tuesday event. 

Emeka Egbuka: Everyone with the Buccaneers still has love for Mike Evans

"We're really close," Egbuka said about Evans, per Eva Geitheim of Sports Illustrated. "I’m just really happy for him that he found a home that he feels confident and comfortable in. He’s going to continue to do good things. We’re just all so proud of him, there’s no hard feelings or anything like that. Everyone loves him at the Bucs." 

It was said back in March that Evans left some money on the table to sign with a 49ers team that he seemingly believes will give him a better chance to acquire a second career Super Bowl ring before he rides off into the sunset of retirement. Meanwhile, ESPN stats show that Egbuka led the 2025 Buccaneers as a rookie with 63 receptions, 127 targets, 938 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. He's now on track to serve as Mayfield's undisputed No. 1 receiver this fall. 

Emeka Egbuka is embracing his new role following Mike Evans' departure

"If they wanna call my name on third-and-10 and fourth down and all that type of stuff, I’m gonna be the guy who’s there to execute," Egbuka said about his role with the Buccaneers following Evans' departure. "If they want me to stick my nose in there and block and do whatever I need to help the team, that’s where my head’s at."

It may be unfair to ask Egbuka to completely follow in Evans' footsteps, considering all that the latter achieved while with the Buccaneers. That said, the 23-year-old could be in for a monster season if he is targeted by Mayfield early and often later this year.