The San Francisco 49ers spent most of their offseason working on reinforcing their depth across the board, but they did also make some splash moves. Perhaps the biggest of the bunch saw them sign star wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year, $42.4 million contract after he decided to part ways with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Evans will immediately come in and be the Niners’ No. 1 wide receiver, providing Brock Purdy with a big-bodied wide receiver who can make plays deep down the field. However, the signing of Evans also comes with some concerns, which recently led to the team getting bashed for its decision to bring him to town in free agency.
49ers Put on Blast for Decision to Sign Mike Evans in Free Agency
Ever since entering the league as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Evans has been one of the most consistent pass-catchers in the league. Evans tied a record set by San Fran legend Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in the history of the league with 11, but that streak was snapped last season when a broken collarbone limited him to only eight games.
Evans has frequently battled through injuries throughout his career, with his aforementioned ailment being the first one that caused him to miss a truly substantial amount of time. The main issue is that, even when he was on the field, Evans wasn’t nearly as productive as we’ve become used to seeing him be, as he caught just 30 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns for the Bucs.
Last year could have been a blip on the radar, but Evans is entering his age-33 season, and he’s already been battling ankle and foot injuries during training camp. He could star for the 49ers, but Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently made it clear he doesn’t think that will happen, as he gave the team a C- for its decision to sign Evans this offseason.
“An all-in 49ers team desperately needed a receiver who could make an immediate impact, and Evans went over 1,000 yards in each of his first 11 seasons,” Gagnon wrote. “But he’s now 33, coming off an injury-marred season, and dealing with a new ankle/foot injury in camp. There’s a decent chance this blows up in the team’s face.”
Mike Evans Has a Lot to Prove in 2026 With the 49ers
GettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Mike Evans #5 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
With Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings no longer in the picture, and Ricky Pearsall already out for the season, that has put even more pressure on Evans to succeed. Deebo Samuel and Christian Kirk should be able to help out as well, but Evans is the guy who could make or break San Francisco’s aerial attack in 2026.
Staying healthy is going to be key for Evans, because if he can, the Niners have proven in the past that they can move the ball down the field, no matter who is on the field for them. San Fran has put quite a bit of faith in Evans, but as he enters the later stages of his career, there’s a decent chance Gagnon is right in saying this deal could backfire on the team.
49ers Criticized for ‘Desperate’ $42.4 Million Free Agent Signing