Brock Purdy is the Main Reason Why Mike Evans Joined 49ers

Veteran WR Mike Evans revealed that he signed with the 49ers to play with quarterback Brock Purdy.

Brock Purdy is the Main Reason Why Mike Evans Joined 49ers

Caleb Williams and Mike Evans inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

Mike Evans shocked the NFL world by leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after twelve seasons to sign with the San Francisco 49ers earlier in the year. When asked the reason behind picking the 49ers over other teams, Evans mentioned quarterback Brock Purdy’s name.

He’s a big reason why I came here… throws a really great ball.

Evans said via 95.7 The Game

This will not go down well with analysts who don’t consider Purdy an elite quarterback. Evans willingly passed over the chance to play with Heisman Trophy winner and former first overall pick Baker Mayfield to play with Mr. Irrelevant Purdy. A Hall of Fame-caliber wide receiver doesn’t take such a decision unless he believes Purdy is a capable quarterback who can help him win a second ring.

I am getting the timing down with him [right now]. Super smart. He’s about as business to it. Comes in every single day. He’s a quiet guy but me and him talk about not just football but life. Really cool guy and I look forward to have a great connection with him this year.

Evans said

Purdy, a Pro Bowler, led the 49ers to a couple of NFC Championship appearances. The Niners played in the 2023-24 Super Bowl, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Iowa State alum boasts a 30-15 record after four seasons. He has registered 919 completions for 11,685 yards, 54 touchdowns, and 37 interceptions.

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Kyle Shanahan gives his honest opinion on Mike Evans

Evans won his first ring in 2020 while receiving from Tom Brady. After Brady retired, the Buccaneers handed the QB1 job to Mayfield. For the better part, Mayfield has been phenomenal. However, the offense regressed last year, and many wanted head coach Todd Bowles out of the building.

Brock Purdy is the Main Reason Why Mike Evans Joined 49ers
Mike Evans (Image via IMAGO)

Evans carried multiple injuries. He missed four games due to a hamstring injury at the start of the season. He returned and played 8 games before suffering a broken clavicle that ended his campaign. Evans finished the year with 30 receptions for 368 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Evans is 32, and despite his longevity, no one can predict how much longer he can maintain a high level of performance. Keeping that in mind, the Buccaneers drafted receivers Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and Ted Hurst (2026). Even though Tampa Bay loves Evans, the former seventh-overall pick searched for a new challenge that led him to the 49ers.

San Francisco is the ideal place for Evans. Jauan Jennings is no longer in the building, Brandon Aiyuk is AWOL, and Ricky Pearsall isn’t ready to lead the offense by himself. Kyle Shanahan is fortunate to land a player of Evans’ pedigree.

Mike’s a Hall of Fame receiver. His understanding of the game and what he’s done in this league, and the respect he’s earned. I haven’t had many guys like that, except for Andre Johnson and Julio [Jones], just with the career he’s had so far.

Shanahan said

George Kittle gives Mike Evans high praise

Evans is a two-time second-team All-Pro, a 6-time Pro Bowler, and led the league in receiving touchdowns in 2023. 49ers star tight end George Kittle recently revealed that Evans is the “first legit” wide receiver he has shared a locker room with since Super Bowl winner Emmanuel Sanders.

If you look back at the 49ers, this is like the first legit wide receiver I have had on my roster since Emmanuel Sanders in 2019, in my opinion. Nothing against all the other veteran WRs I have had, but he’s a Hall of Famer.

Kittle said via Cam Inman of 49ers media

Evans has played in 176 NFL games in his career. He has accumulated 866 catches for 13052 yards and 108 touchdowns.

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