New San Francisco 49ers receiver Mike Evans will wear a new jersey number for the first time in his college and NFL career. After years of playing with No. 13 on his uniform, Evans will now wear No. 5 for the 49ers.
Even if Evans had wanted his old number, it would have been hard for him to get it. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy wears No. 13 and apart from the sentimental value it likely has for Purdy, it would be a difficult ask for the face of the franchise to give up his jersey for a first-year teammate.
Purdy told reporters Monday, though, that Evans didn’t even ask him if he could have No. 13. But if he had, Purdy joked it would have cost Evans a lot to pry No. 13 from the quarterback.
“He hasn’t asked me,” Purdy said. “13, for me, is my number, so he’d have to put a pretty big price tag on it.”
Purdy sounded very excited to play with Evans in 2026, too. He noted how Evans is a perennial 1,000-yard receiver who’s played with the likes of Tom Brady and Baker Mayfield throughout his career. And now, Purdy wants to continue to build on Evans’ career in San Francisco.
“For me to be able to now throw to him, man, it’s an honor,” Purdy said. “Can’t wait to go to war with that guy.”
Evans should become Purdy’s top receiver target this season, following 12 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran joins receivers Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk, running back Christian McCaffrey and tight ends Jake Tongest and George Kittle (when he comes back from his Achilles injury) as the top offensive weapons for Purdy this season.
“As a quarterback, you sort of dream of those situations,” Purdy said, “so watching the film and understanding this is a guy that can help me with my game, being aggressive and taking those one-on-one shots, and also watching his route-running ability, his quick game and his in-breakers. He can do everything, man.”
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Brock Purdy reveals what No. 13 would have cost Mike Evans
Reporting by Oliver G., Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
