Mike Evans' Role in 49ers' Scheme Hyped by OC Klay Kubiak, 'Alpha Type of Player'

The San Francisco 49ers have a new leader in the wide receiver room.

"It's really cool to have that alpha type of player on the field at that position again," 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said of Mike Evans, per David Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard.

Evans signed a three-year deal with San Francisco this offseason, meaning he will play for a team outside of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first time during his impressive career.

He also provides leadership and stability to a receiver group that has dealt with some turmoil in recent years with Deebo Samuel getting traded to the Washington Commanders and Brandon Aiyuk dealing with injuries and trade rumors. 

The 49ers haven't traded or released Aiyuk at this point, but they have also made no secret about a desire to move on from the receiver.

"No new update right now," general manager John Lynch told reporters. "We're available. Give us a call. I think it's the prudent thing to do. He's an extremely talented player. He's been an extremely effective player in our league. The situation didn't work itself out here. That's not to say it can't be rekindled somewhere else. And we'd be happy to do something with anyone if the opportunity presented itself."

If Evans lives up to expectations, the 49ers won't miss Aiyuk much.

The veteran is a six-time Pro Bowler who surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons in the NFL. While he was limited to just eight games because of injuries last season, he will be looking to bounce back with San Francisco.

He should have an opportunity to do just that, as opposing defenses will be focused on Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle whenever they are on the field. That should create some openings for Evans and the rest of the receiver group, and another 1,000-yard season could be in store.

His offensive coordinator certainly believes in him.