49ers Named Among NFL's Most Improved Teams in Free Agency by ESPN Analyst

ESPN's Aaron Schatz highlights the 49ers' signing of Mike Evans as a key offseason move.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:35pm

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ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz named the San Francisco 49ers as one of the NFL's most improved teams in free agency, citing their addition of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans as a significant move. Schatz noted that Evans provides the 49ers with a large, physical receiver who can win 50-50 balls, as well as an experienced locker room presence.

Why it matters

The 49ers have undergone changes to their wide receiver group, with the departures of Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore, and the expected exits of Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. The addition of Evans helps stabilize the position and provides quarterback Trent Williams with a proven target.

The details

Schatz also highlighted the 49ers' signing of offensive tackle Vederian Lowe from the New England Patriots as a potentially underrated move. While Lowe's pass-blocking metrics were below average, his run-blocking was above average, making him a valuable swing tackle option for the 49ers.

  • The 49ers signed Mike Evans in free agency ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Mike Evans

A veteran wide receiver who spent the majority of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency.

Vederian Lowe

An offensive tackle who joined the 49ers from the New England Patriots, providing depth and versatility along the offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“The 49ers made only one major signing, but it was a really good one. Evans is exactly the kind of receiver that the 49ers were missing in a couple of ways. He's a large (6-foot-5, 231-pound) perimeter threat who can win on 50-50 balls, and he's an experienced veteran who can be an important locker room presence.”

— Aaron Schatz, ESPN Analyst

“The injury-riddled 49ers have to hope they are getting the Evans from most of his career (11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons) instead of last year's Evans (who dealt with hamstring and collarbone injuries and played just eight games).”

— Aaron Schatz, ESPN Analyst

The takeaway

The 49ers' targeted free agency moves, such as the addition of Mike Evans, address key roster needs and position the team to compete in the tough NFC West in 2026. While the team may not have been the most aggressive in free agency, their selective approach appears to be paying off.