"Guy Loves Ball": Ex-Bears pro bowler backs Mike Evans’ 150% tax hike gamble to chase another Super Bowl ring

Mike Evans has given up a more lucrative offer to join the San Francisco 49ers, and former Chicago Bears Pro Bowler Kyle Long believes the decision says plenty about the veteran receiver’s priorities. Long praised Evans after San Francisco beat the Seattle Seahawks 32-29, highlighting the financial sacrifice involved in leaving Florida for California. Evans caught seven passes for 113 yards and a touchdown in the win, helping the 49ers improve to 5-0. At this stage of his career, Evans appears focused on another Super Bowl ring, even if the move costs him more in taxes.Kyle Long praises Mike Evans for choosing the 49ers over more moneyLong summed up his reaction in a post on X, writing, “Less money and about 150% hike on income tax … guy loves ball and #winning,”The comment reflects the financial difference Evans faces after leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent 12 seasons. Florida has no state income tax, while California's top marginal income tax rate reached 13.3% in 2025. However, Long's 150% figure is an estimate, not a confirmed calculation of Evans' personal tax increase.The contract figures also make the decision interesting. Evans signed a three-year deal with San Francisco worth up to $60.4 million, including $16.3 million guaranteed. Tampa Bay was prepared to offer more, according to general manager Jason Licht.“We made a significantly higher offer [than the 49ers], and that was just the first offer,” Licht said in March.Evans did not hide the fact that money still matters to him. But when the 49ers introduced him, he explained why it was not the deciding factor.“I love money, obviously, like everybody else. But the money was not the biggest factor for me.”San Francisco gave Evans a fresh challenge and a chance to join a team he believed was close to winning another championship. Tight end George Kittle also played a role in recruiting him, helping convince the veteran receiver that the move was right.Mike Evans delivers as 49ers chase another Super BowlEvans' performance against Seattle offered an early example of why San Francisco wanted him. He caught seven of his 10 targets for 113 yards and a touchdown, giving quarterback Brock Purdy a reliable option in a tense divisional game.He also caught Purdy's two-point pass to put San Francisco ahead 29-26 in the fourth quarter. After Seattle tied the score, the 49ers secured the victory with a late 44-yard field goal from Eddy Piñeiro.The win matters beyond the standings. Evans arrived believing he could help complete an offense that needed another proven receiver.“I feel like they were one piece away, and I think that I’m that piece.”That confidence now has some early support. Evans missed much of the 2025 season through injury, playing just eight games and finishing with 368 receiving yards. His first strong showing against Seattle suggests he can still make a difference when the team needs him.San Francisco has started 5-0, and Evans has quickly become an important part of its attack. The season remains young, but his decision already looks less like a financial gamble and more like a calculated bet on a team he believes can win it all.For Long, the sacrifice speaks for itself. Evans could have earned more in Tampa Bay, yet he chose the opportunity he felt offered the better chance to compete for another championship.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.