SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Mike Evans has quickly become a visible presence in the San Francisco 49ers offseason program after spending his first 12 NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Standing at a lectern after a recent practice, Evans answered questions for nearly seven minutes while wearing a T-shirt reading “Humble Over Hype,” and praised the California weather as he described a “smooth” adjustment to the team.
Left tackle Trent Williams told reporters that Evans is a Hall of Fame-caliber player while still active, a remark that drew a broad smile from Evans when he was told of the praise. “A first-ballot Hall of Famer said that about me?” Evans asked, verifying the comment.
Evans’ resume includes six Pro Bowls, two second-team All-Pro selections and an NFL record-tying 11 consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus receiving yards. At 32, he is wearing a uniform other than Tampa Bay’s pewter and red for the first time in his career but has been a regular participant in spring work, running routes and catching passes from Brock Purdy and acting as a sounding board for younger receivers.
Coach Kyle Shanahan showed video of Evans to the team late in the offseason program as an example of preparation, and offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak called him “about as competitive as they come,” saying Evans will win his matchups. At the final open OTA, Evans made at least four catches in 7-on-7 and team drills, including a deep ball from Purdy.
Tight end George Kittle, who helped recruit Evans, said Evans was unstoppable in red-zone drills at one OTA, estimating the veteran caught “three to five” touchdowns in that session. Kittle called Evans a Hall of Famer, said he pins himself every day that Evans is on the roster and noted Evans’ availability as a teacher to young receivers such as Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, De’Zhaun Stribling and Jordan Watkins.
