# Mike Evans gives Brock Purdy a weapon he's never had before

> The 49ers' new Hall of Fame-bound receiver is already proving essential with his unique red zone dominance.
- Title: Mike Evans gives Brock Purdy a weapon he's never had before
- Summary: The 49ers' new Hall of Fame-bound receiver is already proving essential with his unique red zone dominance. Mike Evans leads the NFL in fade route touchdowns…
- Keywords: mike evans, brock purdy, san francisco 49ers, kyle shanahan, los angeles rams, jaylen watson, george kittle, red zone, fade routes, nfl, melbourne, season opener
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/15/sports/mike-evans-brock-purdy-big-plans-49ers
- Published: 2026-09-15T20:48:30+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: mike evans, brock purdy, san francisco 49ers, kyle shanahan, los angeles rams, jaylen watson, george kittle, red zone, fade routes, nfl, melbourne, season opener
## A physical specimen with Potter tattoos
Mike Evans stands 6'5" and 231 pounds of muscle, some covered in Harry Potter tattoos from his well-known obsession with the series. Opposing cornerbacks don't get to see that side.
## The fade route that sealed it
On third down at the 2-yard line, Evans beat Jaylen Watson on a fade route with just 0.8 yards of separation. The 49ers got seven points instead of three in their 27-7 win.

> We've watched Mike do that for his whole career. Just never been on the team with him.
## A 22.5% completion probability
Purdy's touchdown pass had less than a 1-in-4 chance of completion according to Next Gen Stats. But he threw it with 100% confidence Evans would come down with it.
## Nobody does fades like Evans
Since 2018, Evans has 34 touchdown receptions on fade routes, seven more than the next-closest receiver. Shanahan never had the personnel to run this play before.

> Those 50-50 balls are not really 50-50.
## Dominant in tight windows
Evans is tied for the NFL lead with 10 touchdowns caught in tight windows since 2022. Even with less than a yard of separation, he's a dependable target.
## Purdy loves throwing to size
Of Purdy's top five targets from 2023-25, George Kittle and Jauan Jennings are the biggest bodies. Now Evans gives him a 6'5" weapon he's never had before.
## Instant chemistry on opening night
Purdy posted a 135.4 passer rating when targeting Evans, connecting on all six catches for 49 yards and first downs. He called Evans' number three times on third down on the opening drive.
## Health was the only question
Evans missed nine games last season with hamstring and collarbone injuries, ending his 11-year streak of 1,000-yard seasons. He sat out most of training camp nursing ailments.
## Purdy was a big recruiting factor
While Kittle laid it on hardest in free agency, Evans said Purdy was a big reason he signed a three-year, $42 million deal. They built rapport throughout camp and OTAs.
## He demands the ball when it matters
NFL cameras caught Evans telling a staff member on the bench during the opening drive: "Third down in the red area, I need a shot." Shanahan didn't regret heeding the advice.

> Third down in the red area, I need a shot.
## Key takeaway

Mike Evans leads the NFL in fade route touchdowns and gives the 49ers a jump ball threat they've never had in Kyle Shanahan's system.