Bucs' Chris Godwin 'Didn't Believe' Mike Evans Signed 49ers Contract in NFL FA, 'A Lot of AI Stuff'

It took some time for Mike Evans' departure to sink in for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin.

"Honestly, I didn't believe it," Godwin said Tuesday when discussing Evans joining the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, per ESPN's Jenna Laine. "I mean, there's a bunch of stuff on the internet that you can't really believe, a lot of AI stuff. So I didn't really believe it. And then I texted Bake[r Mayfield]. I was like, 'Yo, is this for real?' And he was like, 'Sad face [emoji].'"

Evans is Tampa Bay's all-time franchise leader in catches (866), receiving yards (13,052) and touchdown receptions (108), while Godwin is in second place in all three categories.

They were teammates for the first nine years of Godwin's career.

"I think it's part of the game, unfortunately," he said. "Mike is—I mean, we all know what Mike has been to this community and this organization. That's my brother and I wish him the best and his time in San Fran. I'm sure that they know what kind of player that they're getting."

Evans remains a franchise icon and was a veteran leader for the entire offense. The wide receiver room in particular will surely feel his absence.

But it is also an opportunity for Godwin to step into that leadership role for the position.

"I mean, obviously it's going to be difficult that he's not here," he said. "And I think anytime you're missing Mike, that's a tough situation. But fortunately we have a room full of guys that are ready to go."

There is still plenty of talent for Mayfield to throw to in Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson and Ted Hurst. Godwin is now the elder statesman, but he might still be in his familiar role of secondary option if Egbuka takes a second-year leap after flashing his potential during the 2025 campaign.

Tampa Bay will need that second-year leap to happen if it hopes to make up for Evans' lost production, which was very real and not AI at all.