Godwin Didn't Believe Evans Was Leaving Bucs

Chris Godwin admitted he didn't initially believe reports that Mike Evans was leaving the Buccaneers for the 49ers in free agency. "Honestly, I didn't believe it," Godwin told reporters. "I mean, there's a bunch of stuff on the Internet that you can't really believe, a lot of AI stuff." The veteran receiver confirmed he texted quarterback Baker Mayfield asking, "Yo, is this for real?"

Evans and Godwin have spent nine seasons together as teammates, ranking first and second in Buccaneers franchise history for catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. "Mike is my brother and I wish him the best," Godwin said, acknowledging the difficulty of losing his teammate. "But fortunately we have a room full of guys that are ready to go." Evans, a first-round pick in 2014, left Tampa Bay with credentials that may already be good enough for Hall of Fame consideration. catcross.org