Godwin Confirmed Evans' 49ers Move With Mayfield Emoji
SkimNews Take
The informal confirmation of major roster changes through emojis among NFL players highlights the ongoing blend of personal relationships and digital communication in professional sports.
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- Chris Godwin said he initially didn't believe Mike Evans was signing with the 49ers until Baker Mayfield texted him a 'sad face' emoji confirming the free agent move, calling it one of many unverified internet reports
- Evans and Godwin played nine seasons together in Tampa, sitting 1-2 in the franchise record book for receiving yards, receptions, and receiving touchdowns, with Evans as the all-time leading scorer
- Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler and key member of the Super Bowl LV squad, reached 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons and accounted for nearly 30% of the Bucs' receiving production from 2014-2025
- Godwin, entering Year 10 after turning 30 in February, is now the elder statesman of a WR room that includes last year's first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and this year's third-round pick Ted Hurst
- Jalen McMillan called Godwin 'O.G.' and 'Unc,' saying Godwin holds everyone in the room to technique standards during JUGS routines and breathing exercises
- The Bucs added veteran David Sills this offseason, a Delaware native who grew up playing against Godwin and spent time with new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson when Robinson was the Falcons' OC
Why it matters: Evans' exit strips Tampa of a six-time Pro Bowler who produced nearly 30% of the team's receiving output from 2014-2025, thrusting 30-year-old Godwin into a mentorship role for a young WR room that includes first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson, and third-round rookie Ted Hurst.
