Mike Evans is expected to elevate the San Francisco 49ers offense in 2026, giving quarterback Brock Purdy a big-bodied red-zone weapon—arguably the best of his NFL career.

While Evans has not typically participated in organized team activities (OTAs), which are voluntary portions of the offseason program, the veteran receiver was on the practice field with his new teammates this year, getting acclimated to head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense and building chemistry with Purdy.


During an appearance on Up & Adams this week, 49ers All-Pro tight end George Kittle shared his early impressions of Evans' performance during OTAs.

"He was cooking everybody, don't care who it is," Kittle said. "You can't just cover him one-on-one, really. He's going to win almost every single time."

Evans has previously acknowledged that Purdy's presence played a significant role in his decision to join the 49ers, and the two appear to be developing a strong connection quickly.

"Him and Brock immediately established a rhythm, which was really fun to watch," Kittle said. "Everything he does is just such a high level of professionalism. You don't always see it from a 13-year wide receiver who's put up 1,000 yards in 11 out of 12 seasons. You don't always see that, and he came in, and everybody's just so happy with Mike, and he's awesome."

Host Kay Adams then asked Kittle whether Evans "cooking everybody" included starting cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, one of the 49ers' top defensive backs.


Kittle admitted that Lenoir has had his share of challenges against Evans but believes the daily battles will ultimately help the cornerback elevate his game.

"Everybody's getting cooked by Mike," Kittle said. "It's awesome to watch. And I'll say that to Demo's face. I didn't watch every practice, but I saw highlights, and every one of those highlights—and it wasn't Demo every single time—but Demo got his work in, and it was great to see. I didn't see the clips of Demo locking him down, but it was awesome.

"And I know Mike had three touchdowns in one red zone period, so that was also fun to see. Like I said, him and Brock already have a connection. It's really fun to see. And Mike, he's got that like Trent Williams aura around him."

Kittle went on to explain why facing a future Hall of Fame-caliber receiver like Evans every day could be invaluable for Lenoir's development.

"Look, the fact that Demo gets to go up against one of the best receivers in NFL history, stat-wise, all the time, and he gets to go against him every day," Kittle said. "And so all that Demo's going to do is just get way better, and he's already a really good player. So now, Demo has a chance to be an amazing player because he gets to go against top-tier talent every single day at training camp. It's going to be sick."


If Evans' early OTA performances are any indication, the veteran receiver's presence won't only help the young players in the wide receiver room but also serve as an asset to the defensive backs going against him in practices.



Follow us on: X, Facebook, Threads, Instagram

Read Original Article
Visit 49ers Webzone

More San Francisco 49ers News