Mike Evans
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Mike Evans could upgrade the 49ers defense.
The San Francisco 49ers need a playmaking wide receiver, and according to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, there’s a highly thought-of veteran available.
La Canfora reported the 49ers’ interest in Mike Evans, who is a free agent and may be looking for a change of scenery after 12 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Evans, who almost a lock to someday be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, was hampered by injuries while only playing eight games a season ago. But Evans, who will turn 33 in August, still had 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns.
The 49ers Are Interested in Mike Evans
La Canfora is one of the NFL’s most connected insiders, and he reported the 49ers as one of the interested teams in Evans.
“He will be selective about his approach to the process and is weighing certain criteria very heavily as he negotiates what could be his final NFL contract,” La Canfora reported. “But he is interested in exploring several reasonable options according to some close to him [and] believes he has more 1,000-yard seasons in him and is looking to be more than an ancillary cog in any offense he goes to.
“Those sources are adamant that Evans is closely studying the offenses, both quarterback, scheme, and acumen of the offensive coordinator/play caller, and prioritizing those matters, along with the opportunity to win another Super Bowl, of course.”
The 49ers can make a compelling case for all the factors Evans is considering. They played in the Super Bowl just three seasons ago and went 12-5 and reached the NFC’s final four without a dominant wide receiver last year.
With Brandon Aiyuk set to move on, and potentially Jauan Jennings following in free agency as well, the Niners also have an opening for a No. 1 caliber wideout to complement superstar running back Christian McCaffrey and franchise icon and tight end George Kittle.
“San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan is one of the game’s elite offensive minds and the team will head into the offseason parting with Brandon Aiyuk and already moved on from longtime stalwart pass catcher Deebo Samuel the season prior,” La Canfora reported.
Evans fell short of another 1,000-yard season — he posted one in each of his first 11 seasons — due to those injuries. But La Canfora cited a source that feels how the NFL views Evans ahead of his 13th season.
“It was clear to executives from several teams that watched Evans last season that Tampa’s offense suffered from a deficient play caller and quarterback Baker Mayfield was hobbled much of the season, too, limiting the scope of the passing game,” La Canfora reported.
The 49ers May Have Competition for Mike Evans
The Niners may check all of the boxes for what Evans is looking for. But they aren’t the only team.
La Canfora noted the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers as potential suitors for Evans. He also reported the Philadelphia Eagles would engage if they trade A.J. Brown this offseason.
Still, according to one source La Canfora spoke with, he’d be worth the investment.
“He’s still a dog,” one personnel executive told La Canfora. “He can still help you win football games. He’s a winning football player.”