Mike Evans left Tampa Bay after 12 seasons to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, saying he wanted a new challenge late in his career and a better chance to chase a ring in the twilight of his career.
The veteran receiver said one reason he chose San Francisco was the opportunity to catch passes from Brock Purdy, whom he called a true professional and a really underrated player. Evans said he watched Purdy's first start against the Buccaneers in 2022 and came away convinced he could help him out a lot if they played together.
Evans did not appear to be taking a dig at Baker Mayfield, with whom he had strong results in Tampa Bay before the move. The two helped the Buccaneers to back-to-back division titles and produced plenty of statistical success together prior to 2025, but Evans framed his departure as a career decision rather than a rebuke of the quarterback he left behind.
That leaves San Francisco with a proven target who believes the timing of his move matters as much as the destination. Evans said he hoped to help Purdy become a Super Bowl champion and a potential MVP while finding the kind of late-career push that kept him from staying put.