San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy spoke with reporters Monday as players reported for the start of the team's offseason program, offering his first reaction to a revamped wide receiver room.
The 49ers' wide receiver room will look very different in 2026. After losing several key contributors from last season, San Francisco reloaded with veteran additions, signing wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency.
Purdy excited to throw passes to Mike Evans
Purdy was asked about his initial reaction to the Evans signing, adding one of the NFL's most consistent producers—a receiver who recorded 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons.
The quarterback recalled working out with tight end George Kittle in Nashville when the news broke. Kittle had an Evans jersey hanging in his weight room, and Purdy immediately began envisioning the possibilities.
"I was just like, 'Alright, sick. Get to throw to this guy,'" Purdy said. "Big, oversized receiver, and then, obviously, just what he's done in his career, the thousand yards per season thing, just the quarterbacks that he's played, with Tom Brady and Baker [Mayfield].
"For me to be able to now throw to him, it's an honor, and I can't wait to go to war with that guy."
Purdy believes Evans' size, production, and experience can elevate both the 49ers' offense and his own development as a quarterback.
"He's obviously a big frame, which is always nice for a quarterback, especially outside at receiver," Purdy said. "But also, even going into the red zone and stuff, just sort of watching some clips of what him and Tom and Baker did with certain routes that he did, and creating leverage, and being able to throw up back-shoulders, and just really getting that guy in one-on-one situations. I think, as a quarterback, you sort of dream of those kind of situations.
"And so, watching the film and understanding, alright, this is a guy that can help me with my game, just being aggressive and taking those one-on-one shots. And also, watching his route-running ability, his quick game, and the in-breakers—he can do everything. So, for me to have a true X like that, with Mike and what he's done in his career, I'm really excited for.
"We're gonna learn each other, we're gonna get to know each other throughout running routes and the timing and all that, and I'm excited to see what comes from my game from it."
No issues with No. 13
Evans, who wore No. 13 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recently revealed he will switch to No. 5 with the 49ers, as Purdy already wears the number. According to Purdy, the veteran receiver never approached him about a potential change.
"Thirteen, I feel like, for me, is my number," Purdy said. "So, he'd have to put a big price tag on it."
Purdy has long admired Christian Kirk
Purdy also expressed excitement about the addition of Christian Kirk, a player he followed closely while growing up in Arizona. Kirk, also an Arizona native, began his NFL career with the Cardinals. However, Purdy's admiration for Kirk developed long before the receiver was drafted.
"He's a guy that I've followed, really, all throughout my career, just being an Arizona guy," Purdy said. "When I was growing up, and he was in high school, I was like, 'This guy's a stud.' So I followed him when he went to Texas A&M, and just his career.
"So now, to be able to play with him, and what he brings to the room, just a vet guy, very smart, and I think for his position at the slot receiver, just how teams have used him, I'm excited that we get to now do that, too.
"And more than anything, too, I think what he can bring to our locker room and the receiver room as a whole, just his wisdom, maturity, and that fire that he plays with, I'm really excited to have that guy with us. So, it's gonna be good."
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