Mike Evans
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The 49ers have earned an A- grade for their signing of Mike Evans in free agency
The San Francisco 49ers have made several important moves to begin the offseason, as they look to go on another deep playoff run after somehow finding their way to the divisional round of the playoffs in 2025, despite dealing with a myriad of injuries. As a result, the Niners have made an effort to reinforce their depth this offseason.
However, they have also taken some big swings, with perhaps their most notable signing seeing them hand longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans a three-year, $42.4 million contract in free agency. And with the first wave of free agent signings in the books, the 49ers have continued to receive high marks for their signing of Evans.
49ers Receive an A- Grade for Mike Evans’ Signing
After getting selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Evans spent the first 12 years of his career with the Bucs. During that time, he turned himself into one of the most consistent wide receivers in the history of the league, as he racked up at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons.
That streak was snapped in 2025, as Evans missed nine games due to a collarbone injury. Even when he was on the field, though, his production left a lot to be desired, as he caught just 30 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. While Tampa Bay’s offensive collapse certainly didn’t help Evans out, he did not look like the player he had frequently been in previous seasons.
San Fran is taking a bit of a risk signing a soon-to-be 33-year-old wide receiver coming off an injury-plagued campaign, but with this deal being so incentive-laden (it has a maximum value of $60.4 million) and only $16.3 million being guaranteed, that’s a risk worth taking. In fact, according to Seth Walder of ESPN, he believes this is one of the best signings of the offseason, as he recently gave the 49ers an A- for their decision to bring Evans to town.
“After seemingly being flush with wide receiver talent not too long ago, the 49ers entered this offseason needing a wideout. They got a good one,” Walder wrote. “Given how well he played on a per-route basis in 2024, I’d be more than willing to give him $16 million to see if he can put this offense over the top in 2026 … The grade above is working under the assumption this is a one-year and roughly $16 million commitment. If that’s right, this is an easy win for the Niners.”
49ers Set to Rely Heavily on Mike Evans in 2026
Mike Evans, San Francisco 49ers
GettyMike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
With Deebo Samuel getting traded last offseason, Brandon Aiyuk set to get released, and Jauan Jennings appearing likely to leave in free agency, the 49ers needed a new No. 1 wide receiver. Evans will step in and be that guy, assuming he’s healthy. Pair him up with another free agent signing, Christian Kirk, and Ricky Pearsall, and that’s a decent trio at wide receiver.
Avoiding injuries will be crucial, especially considering all that San Francisco has dealt with in that department over the past few seasons. If he can stay on the field, though, Evans is a top-tier weapon who can help take the top off of opposing defenses, and considering the price, it’s not too hard to see why this deal has been so well received.