During his first press conference as a member of the 49ers, Mike Evans had some big claims for his future with the team.
The San Francisco 49ers made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason when they signed veteran wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year deal.
Now officially introduced in Santa Clara, Evans made it clear he didn’t come to the Bay Area just to finish his career; he came to win a championship.
After watching the 49ers battle through injuries during the 2025 season and still reach the postseason, Evans believes the team was closer to a title run than many realize.
“They always compete,” Evans said. “Even with the injuries last year. I feel like they were one piece away, and I think that I’m that piece.”
Evans spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he built a Hall of Fame-caliber résumé.
Over 176 games, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. Despite the comfort of his long-time NFL home, Evans said football reasons ultimately led him to San Francisco.
“Football-wise, this was the best spot for me for sure,” Evans said. “I’ve always appreciated how the Niners went about their business, and I’ve always loved the way Kyle calls the games.”
According to Evans, conversations with Shanahan about how he would be used in the offense made the decision easy.
“He just talked about how he sees me in this offense, and it made me even happier,” Evans said. “It was a no-brainer.”
Evans admitted he even took slightly less money to make the move, reportedly signing a contract that guarantees $16.3 million with additional incentives available.
“I love money like everybody else,” Evans joked. “But it wasn’t the biggest factor for me. The energy at Levi’s Stadium and the history of the 49ers really excites me.”
Another major influence in Evans’ decision was star tight end George Kittle, whom Evans called the “biggest salesman” in convincing him to join the team.
Evans is also excited about catching passes from quarterback Brock Purdy, whom he remembers facing in Purdy’s first career start back in 2022.
“He’s a true professional and really underrated,” Evans said. “I saw right then that if I ever played with him, I could help him out a lot.”
The 49ers finished the 2025 season with a 12–5 record and defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round before falling to the eventual champion Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round.
That playoff run convinced Evans that the foundation for a Super Bowl contender is already in place.
“I feel like they were one piece away,” Evans said again. “And I look forward to coming here and proving that.”
If Evans delivers the production he’s known for, the 49ers may have indeed found the final ingredient for another championship run.