Insider reveals why 49ers chased Mike Evans

The San Francisco 49ers' signing Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans wasn't on many people's bingo cards this offseason.

We knew that Evans wanted to explore his options in free agency, and it was the 49ers who won the race for his signature.

A three-year deal, that is said to be as such, purely for cap purposes according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, sees Evans leave the Buccaneers after a glorious career.

And Schefter detailed on the Pat McAfee Show exactly why the 49ers were all in for Evans.

"The Niners have needed help at receiver, they're moving on from Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel left last year, so really, Ricky Pearsall is their proven wide receiver, they wanted a veteran presence out there," Schefter said. 

More: ESPN analyst blasts Colts over Daniel Jones contract

Purdy gets veteran weapon

As Schefter alluded to, the 49ers didn't have a true veteran weapon who could be dependable for Brock Purdy.

Aiyuk and Samuel are both out, leaving the offense without a veteran head to cool things down when it gets heated. 

Plus, there will be no George Kittle for a large portion of 2026 after his Achilles injury, so we have to factor that in too.

Evans wanted a change of scenery, and he's gotten it in San Francisco.

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