Why Mike Evans chose to leave Buccaneers for 49ers

In January, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield expressed confidence that veteran wide receiver Mike Evans would re-sign with a Buccaneers team that had been Evans' only NFL employer since the club made him the seventh overall pick of the 2014 draft.

One wonders if Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht now regrets not using the franchise tag to retain Evans' services. 

Why Mike Evans felt now was the right time to leave Buccaneers

Hours after the "legal tampering" portion of free agency got underway on Monday afternoon, NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo confirmed that Evans plans to leave the Buccaneers and sign a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal is worth up to $60.4M. 

"At this stage of his career, Mike’s goals remain the same as they have always been — to compete for another Super Bowl, to play in an offensive system that challenges defenses, and to be in an environment where he can continue to push himself and contribute at the highest level," agent Deryk Gilmore said about Evans' decision in a statement shared by Garafolo. 

"...Mike Evans’ decision to leave Tampa was never about money. The Buccaneers were extremely aggressive in their pursuit and presented a very strong offer, demonstrating how much they value him and everything he has meant to the franchise. In the end, this decision simply came down to Mike wanting a new challenge and a fresh opportunity while he still feels he has a great deal left to give the game."

The Buccaneers later confirmed that Evans plans to officially leave the team after the new league year opens at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.