Analyst makes stunning 49ers prediction based on 1 free agency move

The San Francisco 49ers are one team that is perhaps flying under the radar this offseason, and I'm not sure why.

A 12-win team last season with a horrible injury list, Kyle Shanahan still managed to get the most out of his team. And as we look to 2026, the 49ers are again looming large in the Super Bowl conversation.

Why? Because the franchise got Brock Purdy a proper No. 1 weapon in the form of Mike Evans.

And for Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr, his favorite move of the offseason was the Evans signing, and now with the Pro Bowler in San Francisco, he thinks Shanahan's team should be a Super Bowl favorite.

"Mike Evans to the 49ers," Orr wrote. "His cap number this season is under $5 million, and he takes defenders out of the box, which will really help Christian McCaffrey. This 49ers team is definitely going to have age and load management issues in 2026, but if they can remain relatively intact heading into the playoffs, they are 100% a Super Bowl favorite."

More: Analyst reveals favorite Chiefs move of offseason

Can Evans really propel 49ers to Super Bowl?

If the roster can stay relatively healthy, absolutely. 

The simple fact of not having to rely on Christian McCaffrey to be a star running back and receiver will help to no end.

Evans will command attention from the defense, allowing others to get favorable looks, such as Ricky Pearsall. The 49ers have the foundation of a Super Bowl team, and if they can stay healthy, the addition of Evans might be viewed as one of the better signings of the offseason.

Of course, there is a lot of water to go under the bridge, but Evans feels like the missing piece for the 49ers. 

Now they just have to hope the football gods don't intervene.

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