Mike Evans’ decision to join the San Francisco 49ers has earned praise from former Chicago Bears Pro Bowler Kyle Long (Getty Images)
Evans signed a three-year deal with San Francisco worth up to $60.4 million, including $16.3 million guaranteed.
Tampa Bay was prepared to offer more, according to general manager Jason Licht. “We made a significantly higher offer [than the 49ers], and that was just the first offer,” Licht said in March. The contract figures also make the decision interesting.
He also caught Purdy’s two-point pass to put San Francisco ahead 29-26 in the fourth quarter. After Seattle tied the score, the 49ers secured the victory with a late 44-yard field goal from Eddy Piñeiro.
He caught seven of his 10 targets for 113 yards and a touchdown, giving quarterback Brock Purdy a reliable option in a tense divisional game. Evans missed much of the 2025 season through injury, playing just eight games and finishing with 368 receiving yards. San Francisco has started 5-0, and Evans has quickly become an important part of its attack.
San Francisco gave Evans a fresh challenge and a chance to join a team he believed was close to winning another championship. Tight end George Kittle also played a role in recruiting him, helping convince the veteran receiver that the move was right. Evans’ performance against Seattle offered an early example of why San Francisco wanted him. That confidence now has some early support. His first strong showing against Seattle suggests he can still make a difference when the team needs him. The season remains young, but his decision already looks less like a financial gamble and more like a calculated bet on a team he believes can win it all. For Long, the sacrifice speaks for itself. Evans could have earned more in Tampa Bay, yet he chose the opportunity he felt offered the better chance to compete for another championship.