At various points in 2025, the San Francisco 49ers offense was carried by Brock Purdy, Kyle Shanahan, and Christian McCaffrey. Injuries took a toll on both sides of the ball, but there were times when Mac Jones was throwing the football to Jake Tonges, Demarcus Robinson, and Kendrick Bourne. The constants were Shanahan and McCaffrey. Although McCaffrey didn’t run efficiently, he more than made up for it with his receiving ability. Oftentimes, it was the CMC show, and when Purdy returned, the offense took off as the 49ers ripped
off wins before clinching a playoff berth.
The trio of Shanahan, Purdy, and McCaffrey simply needs to return to the form of 2025 for the 49ers offense to put up points. There is no predicting injuries in the NFL, but what if I told you the most important 49ers weapon is Mike Evans in 2026?
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: nobody is more important to the 49ers’ success than the quarterback. McCaffrey will be leaned on again without proven, reliable depth behind him. Shanahan’s playcalling is the ultimate advantage for the 49ers. However, Evans is the most important weapon, given the questions around Ricky Pearsall, the newest weapons, and George Kittle heading into 2026.
When the 49ers take on the Rams in Australia in Week 1, Evans needs to hit the ground running. Los Angeles loaded up on cornerbacks; Evans has to tip the scales back to the 49ers. The skill set of the former Buccaneers great and Purdy should blend seamlessly. Throughout 2026, Evans has to be a constant and a rock for the offense.
Now, let’s envision the worst-case scenario and McCaffrey misses games in 2026. Shanahan has been able to create a running game with other running backs, so Jordan James or Kaelon Black will be put in a position to succeed. However, it would fall on Evans to carry more of the workload and become the red zone weapon that McCaffrey was.
Unfortunately, the 49ers can’t have a slow start from Evans. Of course, optimism is high for Pearsall in year three, the return of Kittle, and the infusion of rookie De’Zhaun Stribling and veteran Christian Kirk, but there are questions surrounding them all. Evans has to be a constant force for the offense. The veteran will be looked to for guidance by the younger receivers, but more for instant production.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding Evans during the season, the future Hall of Famer is vital and imperative to the 49ers’ offense and success.
The match between Evans, Purdy, and Shanahan’s offense is a dream. The results must bear themselves out immediately and throughout the 2026 season.
For a longer discussion and other players who need to step up in 2026, Steph Sanchez and I discuss at length in the video below:
