There might not be a bigger impact on the 49ers franchise than that of Jerry Rice, who is excited about Mike Evans' signing.
When the San Francisco 49ers signed veteran wide receiver Mike Evans in free agency, the move quickly turned heads across the NFL.
Perhaps no one sounded more excited about the acquisition than franchise legend Jerry Rice, who believes Evans could bring immediate impact and leadership to San Francisco’s offense.
Evans, who spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $60.4 million with the 49ers.
The move signals a major shift for both Evans and San Francisco as the veteran receiver begins a new chapter after building a Hall of Fame-caliber résumé in Tampa Bay.
Rice, widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, spoke about the signing during an appearance on 95.7 The Game and made it clear he believes the 49ers landed a difference-maker.
“What happened with Mike Evans is big,” Rice said. “It’s big, I’m serious , because now we actually got this guy. He’s that threat opposing teams are going to have to pay attention to.”
The connection between Rice and Evans goes back a few years. The two have developed mutual respect for each other’s accomplishments, even sharing a conversation before last season about greatness and career achievements.
At the time, Rice was rooting for Evans to break the record for consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
That admiration only grew stronger once Evans decided to take his talents to San Francisco.
Rice believes Evans still has plenty left in the tank despite approaching his 33rd birthday in August.
In fact, he pointed to his own career as an example of how elite receivers can thrive well into their 30s.
“At 32, I felt like I was still a rookie,” Rice said. “This guy’s still got a lot of fire. What he brings to that locker room too, the experience, the preparation, and the younger guys are going to be able to watch that every single day.”
Evans joins a receiving corps that could look very different in 2026. With Brandon Aiyuk expected to be released and Jauan Jennings likely to depart in free agency, Evans immediately becomes the most proven wideout on the roster.
His arrival also gives quarterback Brock Purdy a reliable red-zone weapon and serious threat capable of winning contested catches.
The need for help at receiver was evident last season. San Francisco’s wideouts ranked near the bottom of the league in receptions and touchdowns, making Evans a logical target for the front office led by general manager John Lynch.
Evans’ presence should also help younger receivers such as Ricky Pearsall settle into more natural roles within the offense.
For Rice, the excitement comes from seeing a proven star join the franchise he helped define, and if Evans can rediscover his usual production, the 49ers could suddenly have one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the league again.
“You can tell,” Rice said with a laugh. “I’m really fired up right now.”