Walder praised the move not only for addressing a key offseason need but also for its team-friendly structure. While the deal was initially reported as a three-year, $60.4 million contract, a significant portion is tied to incentives.
In reality, the contract is closer to three years, $42.5 million, with a 2026 salary-cap hit of just $4.25 million, according to OverTheCap.com. And it's believed that there isn't much guaranteed beyond the first year. That makes it a bargain for a proven playmaker with an elite résumé.
Evans reportedly turned down a more lucrative offer from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—where he spent his first 12 NFL seasons—to join the 49ers and play in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
The veteran wideout eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 NFL seasons before that streak ended in 2025. Now, he's motivated to prove he still belongs among the NFL's elite.
"Evans, 32, is coming off an injury-shortened season that marked the first year he did not reach 1,000 receiving yards," Walder wrote. "He amassed 368 receiving yards in eight games. If he's still the same player, he has the potential to be a No. 1 X receiver for Shanahan, adding another dimension to an offense with other veteran playmakers such as Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle."
Walder also noted how Evans fits into the 49ers' evolving wide receiver room. With Jauan Jennings seeking a new NFL home and Brandon Aiyuk having played his last snap for the 49ers, Evans' presence could allow third-year wideout Ricky Pearsall to develop as a complementary option.
There are still questions about whether Evans remains the same player. Walder pointed to declines in key metrics when healthy—such as yards per route run and yards after the catch—during the 2025 season. However, he acknowledged the limited sample size.
"But the 49ers shouldn't be that worried because of the contract and the upside Evans can deliver," 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."
Given Evans' upside in Shanahan's system and the relatively low financial risk, Walder ultimately views the signing as "an easy win" for the 49ers.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Mike Evans sends clear signal on injuries, names unsung hero
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans missed time during training camp while dealing with quad and adductor injuries. The setbacks raised concerns about whether the 33-year-old wideout would be able to perform at the level the 49ers are expecting in 2026. Evans has been... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan praises Mike Evans after statement performance vs. Rams
Wide receiver Mike Evans finished Week 1 with six receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown on seven targets, helping the San Francisco 49ers beat their division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, 27-7 in Melbourne, Australia. Evans' touchdown came in the third quarter and looked... -
49ers practice and media schedule ahead of Week 2 matchup vs. Dolphins
The San Francisco 49ers will hold four full practices this week as they prepare for their Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, and quarterback Brock Purdy are scheduled to... -
Two former 49ers receivers have vastly different debuts with new teams
Two wide receivers who left the San Francisco 49ers in free agency during the offseason played their first games with their new teams in Week 1. Jauan Jennings joined the Minnesota Vikings after failing to garner the free-agent interest he anticipated, while Kendrick Bourne...