Right from the moment he was thrust into the game against the Miami Dolphins in 2022, Brock Purdy has excelled at quickly at developing a rapport with his pass-catchers.
It should be no surprise, therefore, that the 49ers quarterback and wide receiver Mike Evans are seemingly already developing a strong understanding.
Having signed him to a three-year, $42.5 million contract in free agency the 49ers are hoping that Evans will bounce back from a 2025 season largely lost to injury and thrive in Kyle
Shanahan’s offense.
Evans has been one of the most reliable weapons in the NFL over the course of his decorated career. The six-time Pro Bowler recorded 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons prior to a 2025 campaign in which he was limited to just eight games.
A ball-dominant receiver whose abilities at the catch point have underpinned his success throughout his career, Evans should quickly become a favorite of Purdy if he can stay healthy, especially given his prowess as a red zone target.
And Evans indicated he and Purdy are on track as they look to build a prolific partnership.
“Love Brock,” Evans said on Wednesday. “He’s a big reason why I came here. … Throws a really great ball.
“I’m getting the timing down with him now. Super smart. He’s about his business, too. Comes to work every single day.
“He’s a quiet guy, but me and him talk about not just football, but life, and really cool guy. I look forward to having a great connection with him this year.”
That Purdy and Evans are already getting in sync is very good news for the 49ers, with the Shanahan offense heavily reliant on timing routes.
But it is down inside the 20 where Evans could have the biggest impact.
The 49ers were fourth in red zone scoring percentage (65.22%) last year. With the physical advantage he has over defenders and his proficiency and tracking and adjusting to the flight of the ball, Evans should be able to take much of the burden off the likes of Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle when it comes to scoring in that area.
“You’ve got to win in tight situations down there in the red zone,” Evans added. “And I have the leaping ability, I have the awareness, and a lot of reps at doing it. And I love getting in that red area and adding a different dynamic to this team.
“I just pride myself on getting in the end zone, winning versus bad leverage, and one-on-one opportunities. I’ve got to get open for Brock.”
Against the Seattle Seahawks defense and that of the Los Angeles Rams following the addition of Myles Garrett, Purdy needs as many easy buttons as he can get. Should their connection continue to build, Evans figures to give him another one.
