Veteran Mike Evans gets 'second wind' by signing with 49ers - ESPN

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — As wide receiver Mike Evans surveyed the free agent landscape and evaluated his options, he wanted his ultimate decision to be as football-centric as possible.

Evans, who spent his first dozen years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, wanted to go somewhere he could continue to build a potential Hall of Fame career while aiming to win another Super Bowl. When the dust settled, Evans signed a three-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers worth $42.4 million that could reach $60.4 million with incentives.

Why the Niners?

Evans said Thursday that it was the best decision for him «football-wise» and that he wanted to go to a team that «always competes» for championships. The 49ers went 12-5 last season and bowed out in the NFC divisional round.

«Even with all the injuries last year… I feel like they were one piece away,» Evans said. «And I think that I am that piece. I look forward to coming here and proving that.»

To be sure, Evans' choice to leave Tampa Bay was not made lightly. He said that decision was «always going to be hard,» noting that he and his family had built a life there.

But he also wanted to see what other challenges might exist, and he did his research on potential landing spots. Evans said he looked at every contending team that might need a No. 1 receiver — naming the Buffalo Bills as another possibility — but he kept coming back to San Francisco.

Although the dollar figures were significant, they were far from the driving factor.

«I love money like everybody else, but… the money was not the biggest factor for me,» Evans said. «Like I said, it was just football and something that I can be excited about. I'm super excited.

»… I feel like it's given me a second wind in my career. And