New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans spoke with Bay Area reporters Thursday via video conference shortly after officially signing his new three-year deal with the team.
Evans spent the first 12 seasons of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were reportedly open to bringing the veteran receiver back. However, Evans felt the time was right for a change and explained why San Francisco ultimately stood out as the ideal destination.
"It was always going to be hard to leave Tampa," Evans said. "I was there 12 years, had a lot of friends out there, my family has friends out there, my kids built a life there, my wife. But football-wise, this was the best spot for me, for sure."
Evans has long admired the 49ers organization and head coach Kyle Shanahan from afar.
"I've always appreciated how the Niners went about their business on the football field," he said. "And I've got some guys here that have always told me great things about this organization, and I've always loved the way Kyle calls the games."
The veteran receiver is also well aware of the adversity the 49ers faced during the 2025 season. Despite battling injuries throughout the year, San Francisco still finished 12–5 and won a playoff game before falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion, the Seattle Seahawks, in the Divisional Round.
Evans believes the team is close to reaching its full potential.
"A team that always—they always compete, even with the injuries last year," Evans said. "... I feel like they were one piece away, and I think that I'm that piece. And I look forward to coming here and proving that."
Signed. Sealed. Delivered ✍? pic.twitter.com/WGEFfzEM0O
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) March 12, 2026
Evans also praised the culture in the 49ers locker room and wants to be part of it.
"You can see the product on the field, the way that they play game in and game out, no matter who's in the game, guys stepping up," he said. "You can tell it's the culture in the locker room. That's the only way that you get that type of success. So, I look forward to even adding to that with my veteran presence and leadership."
Before entering free agency, Evans did extensive research on potential destinations. A few of the most important factors in his decision were the quarterback situation, his fit within the offense, and, of course, the coaching.
"I did my research on a lot of teams that I was looking at," Evans said. "I was looking at contenders, guys with good quarterbacks, obviously. So I was looking at here, the Buffalo Bills, teams that needed a number one wide receiver. I like this place. This was my number one spot, on my own. And then I talked to [GM] John [Lynch] and Kyle, and it solidified it for me.
"So, I've always been a fan of Kyle ... and he just talked about how he sees me in this offense, and it just made me even happier, and it was a no-brainer, really, after I got on the phone with them."
While Evans acknowledged that finances always matter in free agency, money was not the driving force behind his choice. He wanted to be excited about his new opportunity. The 49ers delivered that.
"I'm super excited every time I come to Levi's Stadium, and I see how the crowd is, and I see the energy that they bring, and the rich history of the San Francisco 49ers, it just excites me," Evans said. "So, I feel like it's giving me a second wind in my career, and that's why I chose to come here."
Evans is also looking forward to catching passes from his new quarterback, Brock Purdy.
"He's a true professional," Evans said. "Really, really underrated player. His first start was against my Buccaneers back in 2022, and I saw right then and there that if I played with him, I feel like I could help him out a lot.
"And he's already a really good player. I just hope I can help him get to where he wants to go in his career, and that's to be a Super Bowl champion, potential MVP, and just have a great career here in San Francisco."
Shanahan and Lynch were not the only people recruiting Evans to the 49ers. One player who strongly encouraged the move was tight end George Kittle.
"George was the biggest salesman," Evans shared. "George sold it big time, and he's a big reason why I'm here, just because of the type of player and teammate that he is."
Entering his 13th NFL season, Evans remains highly motivated despite an already highly decorated career.
"I always feel like I've got to prove something," he said. "I always feel like I can be better. And I want to show that I'm still who people believe that I am, and that's one of the best to ever do it."
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