BREAKING: Jimmy Garoppolo Signs One-Day Contract With San Francisco to Retire at 34, Sends Heartfelt Message to 49ers Fans

The San Francisco 49ers needed a wide receiver. They’ve now secured one of the best available. However, the story of Mike Evans’ move to Santa Clara didn’t begin with contract figures or scheme fit, but rather with a phone call from an injured tight end. This week, Evans signed a three-year deal worth up to $60 million, bringing Brock Purdy a true No. 1 wide receiver that the 49ers had been missing. He had options, with several teams expressing interest. But when speaking to the media on Thursday, Evans made it clear who made the final call. “George was the most persuasive,” Evans said with a smile. “George really sold me. He’s the main reason I’m here, just because he’s such a great player and teammate.” George Kittle of the 49ers convinced Evans to join San Francisco. The friendship between Evans and George Kittle dates back to the 2018 Pro Bowl, a relationship spanning nearly a decade. When the 49ers needed someone to convince Evans, Kittle was ready, even though he’s currently recovering from an Achilles injury that may sideline him for part of the 2026 season. It worked. Evans wasn’t chasing money, which made his decision even more significant. “Money is not the most important thing to me,” he said. “It’s just football. And that’s what excites me. I’m really excited. Every time I step into Levi’s Stadium and feel the energy of the fans, I get energized. The rich history of the San Francisco 49ers always gets me fired up. I feel like it’s given me a boost in my career, and that’s why I chose to come here.” The contract includes only $16.3 million in guaranteed money, a structure that provides flexibility for both sides if things don’t work out. Nick Wagoner@nwagonerMike Evans says that 49ers tight end George Kittle was the biggest persuader in getting him to San Francisco.Evans said Kittle was a major reason why he ultimately chose to join the Niners.1:58 PM · March 12, 2026 Evans Makes Bold Statement About Brock Purdy Evans also had plenty to say about the quarterback he’ll be catching passes from. He called Brock Purdy a “true professional” and a “guy who’s really underrated,” adding that he had seen Purdy’s potential all the way back in 2022. “The first game he started was against my Buccaneers,” Evans said. “Right then, I realized that if I played with him, I felt I could help him a lot. He was already a really good player. I hope I can help him achieve his career goal, which is to become a Super Bowl champion, an MVP contender, and have a great career in San Francisco.” This isn’t the talk of a veteran just taking his last paycheck. Evans speaks as if he truly believes in what he’s about to do, and the 49ers will cherish every word he says. Conclusion for San Francisco Evans arrives with a chip on his shoulder after injuries limited him to just eight games in 2025, snapping a streak of 11 consecutive seasons with over 1,000 yards. “I always feel like I have something to prove,” he said. “I always feel like I can do even better.” San Francisco has the quarterback, the coach, and the team culture. What they needed was a great wide receiver. Kittle made the decision. Evans made the right choice. Now, the 49ers will get to see the results as everything comes together.