LOS ANGELES — Luke Kuechly believes the 49ers got a key piece for the offense by signing Mike Evans.

The Hall of Fame linebacker, who spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area while at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, battled Evans for six seasons when both played in the NFC South and shared what the Pro Bowl receiver brings to the game.

“[Evans is] a pro,” Kulechly said. “Obviously, his stats and career speak for themselves, but he’s a pro and he wants to win and he’s a great dude. He’s got a great family and he loves football. He’s smart and he’s just a veteran guy that’s a really good football player still and that wants to win and he’s a great dude.” 

Kuechly, who notched seven straight Pro Bowls and five First Team All-Pro honors, believes that Evans’ move to the west coast shows how much the receiver wants to win and play for coach Kyle Shanahan.

“Think about it, he was in Florida, no state income tax, takes less to come out here, big state income tax,” Kuechly said. “He truly came here because of the guys in the locker room and what Kyle does on the offensive side of the ball.” 

Shanahan recognizes how unusual it is for Evans to leave money on the table to play for the 49ers in California. The coach also knows the star receiver will change what the offense will be able to do on the field, as well as adding an experienced veteran to the receiver’s room. 

“I think that says everything about how important football is to him,” Shanahan said. “He thinks football first, and with us being the best football situation for him. And when you have guys like that, to me, that gives you a chance to do something special.” 

Kuechly did not reveal any particular plays or games when he and Evans challenged each other, but did mention how the wideout brings a great deal of honor to the field. Even after 12 seasons in the league, Kuechly believes the 49ers’ new receiver will bring the 49ers’ locker room to a higher level.  

“We always had a tremendous amount of respect for each other and that’s what I always liked about Mike,” Kuechly said. “He is ultra-competitive and he wants to win but he has a ton of respect for not only the game but for the other guys that play and he does it the right way. 

The 49ers are known for having a close-knit locker room and Kuechly believes that Evans has the right mentality to be welcomed quickly. The receiver will also help provide leadership in a young and inexperienced receiver room. 

“I just like Mike too, he’s a great guy and you guys got a good one,” Kuechly said. “I think he’s going to come in and fit in right away and I think he just wants to win. At the end of the day, he wants to win.” 

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