Christian McCaffrey 'Fired Up' by 49ers' Star WR Signing

The 49ers' addition of Mike Evans has the star running back excited for the upcoming season.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:48am by

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, breaking down a football game into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of deep red, navy blue, and bright gold. The players' forms are abstracted into angular, interlocking shapes, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy of a 49ers football game, with Christian McCaffrey and Mike Evans as the focal points of the fractured, geometric composition.San Francisco Today

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was thrilled by the team's signing of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans in free agency. McCaffrey praised Evans' Hall of Fame-caliber career and believes he is the perfect fit for the 49ers' offense, which will continue to revolve around McCaffrey. The 49ers are hoping Evans' presence will help ease the workload on McCaffrey as he enters his age-30 season.

Why it matters

The 49ers are looking to prolong McCaffrey's career after he won Comeback Player of the Year in 2025 following a injury-plagued 2024 season. Adding a star receiver like Evans should take some pressure off McCaffrey and allow the 49ers' offense to be more balanced and productive.

The details

The 49ers signed Evans to a three-year contract in free agency last month. McCaffrey said he was 'fired up' by the signing, calling Evans a 'first-ballot Hall of Famer' who plays with a 'chip on his shoulder' and is an elite 'go-ball runner' and blocker. Evans' presence will be especially crucial early in the season as All-Pro tight end George Kittle recovers from a torn Achilles.

  • The 49ers signed Evans in free agency last month.
  • Kittle suffered a torn Achilles in the 49ers' NFC Wild Card win over the Eagles in January.

The players

Christian McCaffrey

The star running back for the San Francisco 49ers, who won Comeback Player of the Year in 2025 after an injury-plagued 2024 season.

Mike Evans

A veteran wide receiver who the 49ers signed in free agency. Evans is a seven-time Pro Bowler and has recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in 11 straight seasons, tying an NFL record.

George Kittle

The 49ers' All-Pro tight end, who is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in the team's playoff game in January.

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What they’re saying

“I was so fired up, man. He's somebody that, if you're a fan of football, you've watched his entire career, and it's hard not to like the guy. He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He's somebody that, in my opinion, has never gotten enough credit, and I think he plays that way.”

— Christian McCaffrey, 49ers Running Back

“He plays with a chip on his shoulder. He's one of the best go-ball runners in the history of the NFL. He blocks his butt off. He's mean. And he's the perfect fit for our offense, man.”

— Christian McCaffrey, 49ers Running Back

What’s next

The 49ers hold six picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, including the 27th overall selection. The draft will take place from April 23-25.

The takeaway

The 49ers' signing of Mike Evans shows they are committed to prolonging Christian McCaffrey's career by providing him with another elite offensive weapon. Evans' presence should help take pressure off McCaffrey and allow the 49ers' offense to be more balanced and productive.