The San Francisco 49ers signed star receiver Mike Evans to a three-year contract, signaling a return to win-now mode after a surprising 12-5 season and playoff win. Quarterback Brock Purdy learned of the move during a workout at George Kittle's Nashville gym, calling it an honor to throw to a potential Hall of Famer.

San Francisco also added veteran Christian Kirk, traded for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, and reunited with linebacker Dre Greenlaw. The team drafted older rookies, with tackle Colton McKivitz stating the group is "ahead of the curve."

Following a disastrous 6-11 2024 campaign, the Niners underwent a roster reset, parting with 18 veterans while extending Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner. Coach Kyle Shanahan shifted focus to incremental improvement over Super Bowl talk.

The reset yielded a wild-card win over Philadelphia but ended with a 41-6 loss to Seattle. Now, with Trent Williams needing an extension, the 49ers added 14 free agents, including Mike Evans, who reportedly took less money to compete for a championship. Owner Jed York praised their hunger to reach the NFL's mountaintop.