Mike

Evans

Kittle described Evans as being “the first legit veteran wide receiver [he’s] had on [the] roster since Emmanuel Sanders in 2019,” adding that Evans “takes ball seriously.” The 49ers’ wide receiver corps has had its distractions over the past few seasons, but it appears as though Evans has been a stabilizing presence for the offense. Teammates told The Athletic’s Matt Barrows that “Evans’ length and route-running ability have already been evident,” and Evans has played very well in red zone drills. Evans adds that his change of scenery, from Tampa Bay to San Francisco, has him feeling “rejuvenated.” If his health can hold up, Evans could find himself in the fantasy WR2 tier with touchdown-based upside.

Boston has a good chance of being on the draft board when the 49ers make their first round selection at No. 27 overall. Boston in his final collegiate season at Washington had 62 receptions for 881 receiving yards (14.2 yards per catch) and was tied for ninth in the FBS with 11 receiving touchdowns. Boston ranks 42nd in yards per route run among wideouts in the 2026 draft class. The big-bodied Boston would pair well with veteran Mike Evans, who signed with the Niners during free agency. With Evans, Boston, and George Kittle, Brock Purdy would have a range of excellent red zone options in 2026.

Wagoner prefaced the statement by revealing that in the first meeting between 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Evans, “Shanahan laid out the plan for how he will be incorporated into an offense that also includes” RB Christian McCaffrey, TE George Kittle and QB Brock Purdy. McCaffrey’s 95 red zone touches in the 2025 regular season led all 49ers players by 79 and all other NFL players by 21. Knowing that Shanahan is already scheming up red zone opportunities for Evans is great to hear. McCaffrey can also lose a few red zone touches and still remain an elite RB1. There should be more than enough opportunities in scoring position for both players to feast. Evans currently projects as a WR2 with double-digit touchdown upside.

It could essentially be a one-year contract, as only about $16.3 million is guaranteed. The Buccaneers lifer will now work with Brock Purdy in the Bay Area. A broken collarbone ruined Evans’ 2025 season, but it’s hard to believe if he’s healthy he won’t remain a stalwart WR2 in what profiles to be an improved passing game fit. Evans will take Jauan Jennings’ role with Ricky Pearsall on the other side of the formation, and he’ll do what Jennings did last year — box out smaller defensive backs and win contested balls. Jennings had nine touchdowns last year despite missing part of the season and playing with Mac Jones for other parts of it. 10-plus touchdowns is absolutely in Evans’ range of outcomes.

Less than an hour away from being able to test free agency for the first time in his career, Evans, who will be 33 at the start of next season, could officially be on the move. The veteran receiver is coming off the worst season of his career (30-368-3), which saw him miss nine games due to a collarbone injury. Evans will likely be looking to join a team that he believes can contend for a Super Bowl title over his final few years in the league, and should have multiple high-end suitors once the legal tampering period begins. While a return to the Buccaneers remains on the table, it wouldn’t be surprising if they opted to lean into their younger receivers, along with Chris Godwin, next season.

Evans will likely look to join a team he believes can contend for a title in 2026, but his relationship with Browns head coach Todd Monken could make Cleveland a sleeper destination. Evans spent three seasons with Monken (2016-2018) and had three-straight 1,000-yard seasons under him. The 173 targets Evans saw in 2016 led all receivers that season and remain the most he has ever seen in his career. It would be legitimately surprising if Evans decided to spend what could be the final season or two of his career in Cleveland, but we can’t blame them for wanting to see if there’s any interest in the soon-to-be 33-year-old receiver.

This is the majority of the list that Jonathan Jones had earlier this week, minus the Bills who have since acquired DJ Moore. Given the lack of an established franchise quarterback we’d be surprised if the Giants made it to the end of Evans’ deliberations. The other three teams all make plenty of sense, though it should be noted that several of the sourced men have cautioned against the idea that Evans would leave.

Jones reports that there is a “real chance” Evans departs the Buccaneers this offseason. The Texans and Chiefs are reportedly not in on Evans but Jones adds the Bills, Chargers, 49ers, Commanders and Giants are teams to eye with interest. The 33-year-old was limited by injury last season, though his Pro Bowl pedigree can certainly elevate his next contract to the $20 million range. A return to Tampa Bay is still one of the likelier options in addition to interest from the aforementioned teams.

Bucs officials met with Evans’ representation at the NFL Combine and appear ready to make an all-out push to bring back the veteran for 2026. Evans, entering his age-33 season, said this month he would return for a 13th NFL season, but declined to say where he might play. Evans in 2025 struggled through injuries, including a collar bones injury, catching 30 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns while missing nine games. He posted the second lowest receiving success rate of his storied NFL career. Evans would be a good fit for multiple contenders, including the wideout-needy Patriots and Bills.

Evans only recently told the Buccaneers he’d play in 2026 and that he intends to test free agency. We’d be surprised to see Evans leave in free agency without some kind of desperate, monster offer from a receiver-needy team. We’d also be surprised to see Evans get that kind of offer after missing most of last year with a broken collarbone. But we can’t exactly rule it out given how weak the wideout market looks in free agency.