Mike Evans turning heads with early Brock Purdy connection

The Brandon Aiyuk saga looks buried beneath San Francisco 49ers camp. Thanks to the presence of newcomer wide receiver Mike Evans already turning heads. And establishing an early rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy.

The Niners rolled into San Jose for NFL Training Camp without their past top wideout Aiyuk, who’s demanded to play for the Washington Commanders. But now the past Super Bowl winning wideout Evans is winning over 49er fans.

Matt Barrows of The Athletic helped paint this picture of the impact of Evans.

“Evans had two chunk-play receptions on throws from Brock Purdy, including one down the left sideline in which the pass landed between cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and safety Marques Sigle,” Barrows wrote.

The big 6-foot-5 wideout aims to provide leadership and big plays for the still-aspiring Super Bowl contender. Evans brings his own ring in tow via the 2020 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Perhaps the perennial 1,000-yard wideout and Pro Bowler still has enough in his tank. Especially with the 49ers needing a new WR1 amid the Aiyuk drama.

Aiyuk expectedly didn’t report to 49ers camp before Sunday amid his desire to join the Commanders. Aiyuk is connected to Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, who played at Arizona State with Aiyuk before winning the Heisman Trophy at LSU.

Except the 49ers and general manager John Lynch haven’t traded nor released Aiyuk. Yet Lynch adds how he and the franchise “wish him well,” signaling Aiyuk will soon get his release wish.

But again, Evans rose as the talk of day one of 49ers camp. Fueling new energy for this offense post-Aiyuk.