It will be strange to see Mike Evans play anywhere but with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But it’s happening. Evans’ amazing 12-year run with the Buccaneers is over. He has agreed to join the San Francisco 49ers on a three-year deal worth $60.4 million, according to ESPN.
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The 49ers suddenly found themselves a bit short in the passing game. Brandon Aiyuk’s messy time with the team appears to be over, George Kittle suffered an Achilles injury in the playoffs and Jauan Jennings is a free agent. That left few proven and healthy pass catchers for the 49ers.
Evans should help. Evans is coming off a down season and will be 33 years old next season, but injuries were the problem for him last season. Evans played in just eight games, mostly due to a broken collarbone. He had just 368 yards but his track record before dealing with injuries last season is one of the NFL’s best. Evans tied Jerry Rice’s record with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons in 2024. Evans is on a clear track to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and while 33 is on the older side at receiver, a healthy Evans can still be productive.
That’s especially true with the 49ers, who are one of the NFL’s best offensive teams with Kyle Shanahan calling plays. If Evans has anything left, Shanahan’s offensive scheme will get it out of him. The 49ers probably had to add an extra year on the deal to entice Evans, who would have had opportunities to play for multiple teams looking for a short-term veteran to help the passing game. It’s far from a guarantee Evans plays all three years that are on his new 49ers deal. There’s risk involved for the 49ers with the deal, if Evans hits the age cliff this season, but it’s a fun pairing of star player and tremendous scheme.
Grade: B
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