How ‘potential MVP’ Brock Purdy influenced Mike Evans to sign with 49ers

Several factors influenced Mike Evans to sign a three-year contract with the 49ers, and quarterback Brock Purdy was at the top of the list. “True professional,” Evans said Thursday during a video call with local reporters. “Really, really underrated player. His first start was against my [Tampa Bay] Buccaneers back in 2022. I saw right then and there, that if I play with him, I feel like I could help him out a lot.” Evans had several teams pursuing him in NFL free agency, including the Buffalo Bills, but being coached by Kyle Shanahan and working with Purdy made the decision easy. The Bay Area was the wide receiver’s No. 1 choice. “[Purdy’s] already a really good player,” Evans said. “I just hope I can help him get to where he wants to go in his career and that’s [to] be a Super Bowl champion, potential MVP and just have a great career here in San Francisco.” Evans clearly has been able to help every quarterback he has caught passes from, including Tom Brady in that aforementioned 2022 matchup. The six-time Pro Bowl selection notched 11 consecutive 1,000-yard...