The San Francisco 49ers made one of the shocking moves of the offseason to this point. They signed wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year deal. Evans felt as if he had a better chance to win a Super Bowl within the next three years with San Francisco than he does with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) leaves the field following an NFC Divisional Round game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
The 49ers had a 12-5 record this past season and the Buccaneers had an 8-9 record. San Francisco feels like they are in Super Bowl contention and maybe Tampa Bay could be on the verge of potentially starting over within the next three years.
San Francisco 49ers WR Mike Evans Makes Shocking Remarks In Opening Press Conference
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Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during pregame warmups at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Evans had his press conference with the 49ers for the first time on Thursday to introduce him to his new team after being in Tampa Bay for the first 12 years of his NFL career. At 32 years old, he wanted to go to a team that was in win-now mode. Evans said during his press conference, “I feel like they were one piece away, and I’m that piece.” He will no doubt be that one piece that will help quarterback Brock Purdy and company.
Bringing him means that Brandon Aiyuk will not be back next season. Evans is a future hall of famer, and he will be the best wide receiver that Purdy has ever had. Evans had some injuries last season and that’s why he only played in eight games. He caught 30 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns, along with averaging 12.3 yards per reception. Evans was also targeted 61 times. Those were some strong words that he said during the press conference. It is going to be interesting to see if he can get back to having a 1,000-yard receiving year next season also.
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