San Francisco 49ers sign Mike Evans in shocking move

In one of the most shocking moves of the legal tampering period, veteran wide receiver Mike Evans has agreed to a three-year, $60.4 million contract to the San Francisco 49ers, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It was rumored that there was at least one team offering $27 million average annual value for Evans and that the Buccaneers were aggressive in their offer to retain him, but it ultimately did not matter as Evans signed elsewhere.

After spending the first 12 years of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he has left in free agency. He had an injury-plagued 2025 season, which snapped his 1,000-yard streak at 11 years, tying the NFL record. Evans finished last season playing eight games and recorded 30 catches on 62 targets for 368 yards (12.3 yards per reception) and three touchdowns.

This is a massive blow to the Buccaneers, but gives San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy a chance to have one of the most dominant wide receivers of the generation to throw the football to. Especially with tight end George Kittle likely out for the season with a torn right Achilles tendon. This gives Evans a chance to shine elsewhere and bring the Super Bowl champion to Santa Clara to help the team in a loaded NFC West.

It will be intriguing to see how an offense with Evans and running back Christian McCaffrey will play out going forward. This gives him and the team a new opportunity.