Mike Evans-to-49ers named among best fits in free agency

The Mike Evan deal with the San Francisco 49ers looks to be a match made in heaven, according to one NFL analyst.

The Athletic's Ted Nguyen ranked the Evans-49ers marriage as one of his 10 best free agency fits from the first day of the league's legal tampering period.

Part of what makes Evans special is his ability to run routes and break with his 6-5 size. He’ll be a demon to cover on play action, dagger routes and of course, when teams want to load up on the run, he can still win on go balls at a high rate. Since 2020, the 49ers have faced by far the highest rate of heavy boxes (63.6 percent), and they’ll continue to see a lot of heavy boxes as long as Shanahan is scheming up the run game.

Evans will be especially valuable as tight end George Kittle recovers from an Achilles tendon injury that he suffered in the playoffs, and he’ll give Brock Purdy a much-needed red-zone weapon. Purdy loves throwing jump balls and Evans is one of the greats in that department.

It's no surprise to see the Evans deal also received high grades from NFL experts. He is the clear alpha receiver on the 49ers with Brandon Aiyuk set to be released soon, Kendrick Bourne's departure and Jauan Jennings likely departure. Evans is now the clear red zone and contested catch threat for Purdy, whereas Ricky Pearsall figures to be more of a downfield threat who can also chop it up in the middle of the defense.

The Evans acquisition is exciting for the 49ers, but it also shouldn't preclude them from adding more receiver talent this offseason.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL free agency: Mike Evans-to-49ers named among best fits