Purdy learned of the move while working out at George Kittle’s Nashville home, and he noted a Mike Evans jersey on the wall in Kittle’s weight room. “Up in George’s weight room, he’s got a Mike Evans jersey, so I was like, ‘Alright, sick. I get to throw to this guy,’” Purdy said.
Purdy did not mince words about the impact Evans can have from a quarterback’s perspective, calling the addition “the kind of situation you dream about,” and emphasizing Evans’ size as a differentiator for the 49ers’ passing attack.
Evans’ size provides a true outside weapon the team has sought as Brandon Aiyuk’s role evolved, giving Purdy a Goliath target to stretch defenses and complement San Francisco’s play-action concepts.
Evans explained his decision to sign with the 49ers over the Buccaneers, who reportedly offered more money, citing competitive drive and the chance to prove himself. He said the eight-game 2025 season left him hungry and motivated, describing his mindset as wanting to prove people wrong and “use all the juice I’ve got.”
The 49ers’ locker room quickly reflected the signing’s excitement. Christian McCaffrey praised Evans as one of the best go-ball runners in NFL history, a player who blocks hard and fits the team’s hardware-loyal, chip-on-his-shoulder mentality.
Evans will wear No. 5 with the 49ers, a nod to his Galveston high school days after Purdy took his usual No. 13. The move signals a clear push to add a proven, high-volume playmaker to an offense that already ranked among the NFL’s best in total yards.
With 866 career receptions, 13,052 yards, and 108 touchdowns, Evans brings elite production to an offense that finished seventh in total yards last season. The combination of Purdy’s development, McCaffrey’s versatility, and Evans’ production gives the 49ers a markedly upgraded passing threat heading into 2026.
