Mike Evans Credits 49ers Star for Luring Him From Buccaneers

The San Francisco 49ers landed wide receiver Mike Evans in free agency this week, and he revealed who influenced him the most.

Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a pass in front of DaRon Bland #26 of the Dallas Cowboys for a first down during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 22, 2024. Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

When star wide receiver Mike Evans decided to take his game across the country, one future teammate carried the most weight in the decision.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle had the most influence, Evans told reporters on Thursday, regarding his decision to leave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 12 seasons. Evans signed with the 49ers this week in hopes of winning a Super Bowl.

“I knew a lot of them from Pro Bowls and just seeing them around the league after games and things like that,” Evans told reporters on Thursday. “But George was the biggest salesman. George sold it big-time. And he’s a big reason why I’m here, just because [of] the type of player and teammate that he is.”

Kittle has been a big part of the 49ers offense for years and has helped the team reach two Super Bowls. The Niners fell short last season in the Divisional Round against the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

Niners quarterback Brock Purdy couldn’t get his team’s passing game going in that defeat, and San Francisco hasn’t seen past star wide receivers work out or last. The 49ers traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders last year, and the Niners appear to be planning to release wideout Brandon Aiyuk sooner or later.

“Even with all the injuries last year ... I feel like they were one piece away,” Evans said. “And I think that I am that piece. I look forward to coming here and proving that.”

Evans has enjoyed a historic career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons dating from his first year in the NFL, the only wideout in the league’s history to do that. He has a career 866 receptions for 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns, and he has six Pro Bowl appearances and two second-team All-Pro honors.

“I always feel like I’ve got to prove something,” Evans said. “I always feel like I can be better, and I want to show that I’m still who people believe that I am, and that’s one of the best to ever do it.”

Evans saw injuries catch up with him last season at age 33, as he missed eight games. He only managed 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns as his 11-year streak of 1,000-yard seasons came to an end.

Evans signed a three-year, $42.4 million deal, which has another $18 million in incentives. While he has been able to work out deals in the past with the Buccaneers, he made it clear that moving west is a football decision.

“I love money like everybody else, but ... the money was not the biggest factor for me,” Evans explained. “Like I said, it was just football and something that I can be excited about. I’m super excited.”

Evans added, “I feel like it’s given me a second wind in my career” coming to San Francisco. He leaves behind a Buccaneers team that missed the playoffs after a hot start.

Evans won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers in the 2020 season when Tom Brady was the quarterback. After pairing up for three seasons, Evans found continued success with quarterback Baker Mayfield, and Evans is looking for more of the same with Purdy.

Evans won’t have a star No. 2 wide receiver like Chris Godwin in San Francisco, however. That Buccaneers tandem was one of the most dangerous and consistent for years, but Evans relishes the opportunity to be a No. 1 wideout for a 49ers team that’s thin on receiver talent.

After Evans, San Francisco’s starters consist of Ricky Pearsall and Demarcus Robinson. Neither Pearsall nor Robinson eclipsed 600 yards or more than a touchdown last season.

Purdy will now have a high-level player at each position with Evans, Kittle, and running back Christian McCaffrey.