After adding Mike Evans before the new league year even started, the San Francisco 49ers attacked the position again in free agency, signing former second-round pick Christian Kirk as well.

Over his first eight years in the league, split between the Arizona Cardinals (2018-21), Jacksonville Jaguars (2022-24) and Houston Texans (2025), Kirk caught 432 passes for 5,415 yards and 30 touchdowns.

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While Kirk could’ve signed with another team this offseason, the wideout explained why he chose to join San Francisco for 2026.

“Free agency was a little different this year,” Kirk said on the “In Good Company with Mitch Morse” podcast. “I felt like I was in a position to be a little bit more picky on where I wanted to go, at this point in my career. I think it just all depended on being in the right situation. And so, from the get-go, San Fran had interest—there was a lot of interest there—and it excited me just because I played in that division for four years. [Kyle] Shanahan has had that thing rolling for a while.”

Playing for Shanahan seemed like a big thing for Kirk, who has played for four head coaches and four offensive coordinators in the NFL thus far.

“Just as being a skill guy, playing against those guys, and watching them really closely, you see what happens,” Kirk explained. “There’s just so much space when guys get the ball in their hands, the way he’s able to scheme different guys open, playing off the play-action pass, run game, screens, the whole nine [yards].

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“It’s just all about integrating yourself in that, and he does a great job of using guys to their skill set, so I’m really excited about it.”

Kirk also has the opportunity to join some other veteran talents, including quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, offensive tackle Trent Williams and linebacker Fred Warner.

“And so, played against all those guys, a lot of respect for that organization,” Kirk said. “And so, the more I started thinking about it, I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s a great fit.’ And I feel like I fit into that locker room really well, and want to be a part of what they are doing.

“I had some other options out there. I was just kind of taking my time and just really doing my due diligence.”

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Ultimately, Kirk’s decision didn’t require much thought.

“It was really a no-brainer, at the end of the day,” Kirk stated. “So, super excited to be a part of the 49ers, and I get to be back on the West Coast, closer to home.”

As the second option behind Evans (or even third behind Pearsall, depending on how this offseason goes), Kirk should have some favorable matchups in 2026, and if the 49ers want to reach their potential, they’ll need him to win his matchups consistently.

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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: New 49ers WR explains why it was a ‘no-brainer’ to sign with SF