Wide receiver Mike Evans did not leave his NFL home of the past 12 years to just blend into the scene with the 49ers.
Evans said he was impressed that the 49ers overcame an abundance of injuries to key players in 2025 and still finished the regular season with a 12-5 record.
The 49ers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the NFC playoffs before their season came to an end with a 41-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the eventual Super Bowl champions.
“I feel like they were one piece away,” Evans said Thursday on a video call with Bay Area reporters. “And I think I’m that piece. I look forward to coming here and proving that.”
Evans was in Santa Clara on Thursday to sign a three-year contract that he agreed upon within the first 90 minutes of the open negotiating period on Monday.
Evans, 32, comes to the 49ers as one of the most-decorated receivers in NFL history. He ranks 10th all-time with 108 touchdown receptions. He is 21st in receiving yards at 13,052 and 31st with 866 receptions.
As he approached free agency, Evans said he did his research and was looking to join a contender with a good quarterback. In his mind, the 49ers met both criteria.
“So I was looking at here, Buffalo Bills, teams that needed a No. 1 wide receiver,” Evans said. “I liked this place. This was my No. 1 spot on my own.”
At the opening of the negotiating period on Monday, Evans spoke with coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, he confirmed.
Evans said he has always loved how Shanahan calls plays. Shanahan shared his vision for how Evans could be integrated into the 49ers’ offense, and Evans was ready to commit.
“And it solidified it for me,” Evans said. “I’ve always been a fan of Kyle. And he just talked about how he sees me in this offense. And it made me even happier, and it was a no-brainer really after I got on the phone with him.”
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