49ers Sign Veteran WR Mike Evans to 3-Year Deal

Bolsters receiving corps for young QB Brock Purdy

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a 3-year, $60.4 million contract with veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, adding a proven pass-catching threat to their offense led by young quarterback Brock Purdy.

Why it matters

The 49ers are looking to build on their success from last season and make a deep playoff run. Bringing in a talented veteran like Evans gives Purdy another reliable target and should help the 49ers' passing attack take another step forward.

The details

The deal was agreed to at the start of the NFL's free agency negotiating period on Monday. Evans, who is 32 years old, will provide veteran leadership and experience to the 49ers' receiving corps as they look to make a Super Bowl push.

  • The deal was agreed to on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The contract officially begins on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the start of the new NFL league year.

The players

Mike Evans

A 32-year-old veteran wide receiver who has spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brock Purdy

The 49ers' young starting quarterback who had a breakout season in 2025 and will now have another talented receiver to throw to.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to add a player of Mike's caliber to our offense. He's a proven playmaker who will complement our existing receiving group very well.”

— John Lynch, 49ers General Manager (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Evans will join the 49ers for the start of their offseason program in April as he begins to get acclimated with the team's offense and his new teammates.

The takeaway

This signing demonstrates the 49ers' commitment to surrounding young QB Brock Purdy with as much offensive talent as possible as they aim to make a Super Bowl run in 2026.