As Mike Evans approached free agency, the prospect of joining the San Francisco 49ers intrigued him. Before making his decision, the veteran wide receiver reached out to tight end George Kittle, who has spent his entire NFL career with the organization.

Kittle gave Evans a glowing review of the 49ers, highlighting everything from the team's facilities and practice environment to the organization's commitment to its players. According to Kittle, those conversations helped reinforce Evans' interest in coming to Santa Clara.


Evans was immediately impressed.

RELATEDMike Evans ready to be ultimate red-zone weapon for 49ers
"He was a big fan of how we travel, with the lay downs and stuff," Kittle said. "And he was like, 'Yep, I never had that.' And I was like, 'It's crazy, but welcome to the 49ers.' And then we talked again a couple of days later and just kind of reiterated some of the same things, and he was just really excited about it."

Now that Evans is officially part of the 49ers roster, Kittle has been impressed by the veteran receiver's immediate impact, both on and off the field. The tight end also appreciates having a proven veteran presence in a wide receiver room filled with younger players.

"If you look back at the 49ers, this is like the first legit veteran wide receiver I've had on my roster since Emmanuel Sanders in 2019, in my opinion," Kittle said. "Nothing against all the other veteran receivers I've had, but he's a Hall of Famer, who's a first-team All-Pro, Pro Bowl guy. He's an incredible wide receiver."

The 49ers are wrapping up organized team activities (OTAs), and while Kittle has been sidelined as he recovers from an Achilles injury, Evans has been turning heads on the practice field.


"Just to see him run routes and the way that he sees things, it's just so fun," Kittle said. "Emmanuel Sanders, because that was my third year when I had Emmanuel Sanders, and he was super savvy, did some cool things to get open and stuff like that. But Mike Evans just brings a whole new thing.

"You guys weren't here for red zone. I think he had three to five touchdowns in the first day. He's incredible. And so, that by itself was really fun. And I think he takes ball incredibly seriously. And I think that just kind of sets the tone for the wide receiver room, especially when you have a bunch of young guys in there."

Kittle believes Evans' value extends far beyond his production on game days. He sets a powerful example with his work ethic.

"I think it's just very beneficial to the Niners that he is here, and it's not just his playmaking ability, but just how he treats it every single day," Kittle said.

Follow us on: X, Facebook, Threads, Instagram

Read Original Article
Visit 49ers Webzone

More San Francisco 49ers News