For the past decade, no wide receiver or player in the NFL has been more synchronized with the No. 13 than Mike Evans.
From his legendary eleven-year streak of 1,000-yard seasons to his Super Bowl 55 title in Tampa Bay, the digit has become synonymous with his physical brand of dominance on the boundary. The number has followed him from the collegiate stage at Texas A&M through a Hall of Fame-caliber tenure with the Buccaneers, where he set franchise records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns that likely won't be touched for a generation.
However, as he prepares for his first season away from the only professional home he has ever known, that iconic pairing is coming to an abrupt end. By signing a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, Evans is joining a storied franchise where the No. 13 is already firmly occupied by Brock Purdy.
As Evans chases a second ring alongside stars like Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, he will have to forge a new identity under the lights of Levi’s Stadium. Whether he chooses a single digit or returns to a more traditional receiver number, seeing the 6-foot-5 frame of Evans in a different jersey—and a different number—will be one of the most jarring sights of the 2026 season.
Here's why Evans has to part with his storied number.
MORE NFL FREE AGENCY:Live tracker | Team-by-team grades | Best players available
What is Mike Evans' jersey number with the 49ers?
Evans has not yet officially selected a new jersey number for the San Francisco 49ers. Having just agreed to a three-year, $60.4 million deal during the legal tampering period, he cannot officially sign or finalize his equipment details until the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 13.
Though, he will have to pick a new number for the first time in his career, with Purdy holding the coveted No. 13. Evans could theoretically buy the number from Purdy, but that is unlikely with Purdy having a deep personal and family connection to No. 13 (honoring Dan Marino) along with him being the face of the organization.
If he decides to pivot, a single digit like No. 1 or No. 3 would be a popular modern choice for a receiver of his caliber, though No. 1 is currently occupied by Ricky Pearsall. Alternatively, he could opt for a traditional veteran look in the 80–89 range, which remains largely available on the 49ers' current roster and would offer a classic aesthetic for his debut in San Francisco.
One other possibility is No. 11, which is currently held by Brandon Aiyuk. However, with multiple reports indicating that the 49ers are set to part ways with Aiyuk via trade or release at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, his departure could leave the door open for Evans to claim the number.
MORE:How Mike Evans signing helps 49ers
Mike Evans contract
Evans has agreed to a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers worth up to $60.4 million.
The deal, which was reported, March 9, 2026, during the NFL's legal tampering period, marks the end of his historic 12-year tenure with the Buccaneers.
Early reports indicate the contract is front-loaded, allowing the 49ers to manage their cap space as they navigate other roster moves.
MORE: How Kenneth Walker fits into Chiefs backfield
Mike Evans stats
Evans’ 12-year career in Tampa Bay is defined by the most consistent start for any wide receiver in NFL history. While injuries finally snapped his record-setting streak of 1,000-yard seasons in 2025, his overall body of work remains a first-ballot Hall of Fame resume.
Season Team GP Rec Yards AVG TD
2014 TB 15 68 1,051 15.5 12
2015 TB 15 74 1,206 16.3 3
2016 TB 16 96 1,321 13.8 12
2017 TB 15 71 1,001 14.1 5
2018 TB 16 86 1,524 17.7 8
2019 TB 13 67 1,157 17.3 8
2020 TB 16 70 1,006 14.4 13
2021 TB 16 74 1,035 14.0 14
2022 TB 15 77 1,124 14.6 6
2023 TB 17 79 1,255 15.9 13
2024 TB 14 74 1,004 13.6 11
2025 TB 8 30 368 12.3 3
TOTAL — 176 866 13,052 15.1 108