Because quarterback Brock Purdy and the pass-catching group battled injuries throughout the 2025-26 season, superstar running back Christian McCaffrey was forced to carry the offense for the San Francisco 49ers. He filled the role beautifully, earning First-Team All-Pro honors for the third time and helping the squad advance to the NFC Divisional Round, but the organization understood that reinforcements were required. The versatile RB will now be joined by another future Hall of Famer.
Two-time Second-Team All-Pro wide receiver and Super Bowl 55 champion Mike Evans signed a three-year, $42.5 million contract with the Niners in March. After spending 12 seasons on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he comes to a Kyle Shanahan-coached team that frequently carries championship aspirations. McCaffrey was ecstatic upon first learning of Evans’ arrival.
“I was so fired up, man,” the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year and 2025 Comeback Player of the Year told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “He’s somebody that, if you’re a fan of football, you’ve watched his entire career. And it’s hard not to like the guy… He’s somebody that, in my opinion, has never gotten enough credit and I think he plays that way.
“He plays with a chip on his shoulder, he’s one of the best go-ball runners in the history of the NFL, he blocks his butt off, he’s mean and he’s the perfect fit for our offense.”
McCaffrey is thrilled about the impact Evans can have on the 49ers as a whole, but he is also personally grateful for the opportunity to share a locker room with the six-time Pro Bowler.
“To pick his brain on a lot of stuff, I think that’s what I’m excited about, is to learn from him and kind of see what stuff he can bring to our team that maybe we need,” the 29-year-old said.
“I was so fired up, man!”#49ers RB Christian McCaffrey joined The Insiders to discuss Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love’s prospects, how fired up he was that his team signed FA WR Mike Evans, and much more. pic.twitter.com/wuuolXnQ8S
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 15, 2026
Mike Evans fell short of 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career after missing half the season due to a broken collarbone and hamstring injury. San Francisco’s injury-hampered offense did not boast a wideout with 60 receptions, as Christian McCaffrey shouldered the load by posting 102 catches for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. Both parties are looking for a fresh start.
Evans, who will turn 33 years old in August, is still a capable playmaker who can stretch the field for Purdy. Additionally, he understands what it takes to win a championship and can provide leadership to younger players like Ricky Pearsall. Alongside McCaffrey and game-changing tight end George Kittle, the 49ers’ offense could be a nightmare for opposing defenses during the 2026-27 campaign.
The message is clear: this union is intended to vault the franchise back to the NFL apex. Stay tuned.
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