Get ready to see a legendary wide receiver in a brand-new look. After a dozen dominant NFL seasons defined by one iconic digit, Mike Evans is officially turning the page. The newly-signed San Francisco 49ers star confirmed he will not be wearing his familiar No. 13 jersey, instead suiting up with No. 5 on his back for the upcoming campaign.
The reason is simple: in the 49ers' locker room, No. 13 is already spoken for by the man who will be throwing him the football—starting quarterback Brock Purdy. While many star players will pay a teammate to secure their preferred number after a team change, that wasn't an option here. Purdy, the engine of the Niners' offense, wasn't about to give up his digits.
Evans made the announcement on the 'Real Ones' podcast alongside teammate Fred Warner, signaling the start of a fresh chapter. The switch is so definite that Fanatics is already selling 49ers jerseys emblazoned with Evans' name and the new No. 5. However, there's a small wrinkle: veteran wideout DeMarcus Robinson is currently under contract and wears No. 5, meaning a potential number handoff or roster move might be in the works before Evans officially claims it.
A Legacy Built in Number 13
For Evans, this number change marks the end of an era. He wore No. 13 throughout his entire collegiate career at Texas A&M and for every single one of his 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In that number, he built a Hall of Fame-worthy resume of consistency and excellence.
Drafted seventh overall in 2014, Evans exploded onto the scene with a 1,000-yard rookie year and never looked back. He launched an unprecedented streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin a career, a testament to his remarkable durability and elite skill set. His combination of size, physicality, and clutch catching made him the cornerstone of the Buccaneers' offense for over a decade.
The pinnacle came in the 2020 season, when Evans, wearing his famous No. 13, played a crucial role alongside Tom Brady in leading Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl LV victory. He leaves Tampa as the franchise's all-time leader in both receiving yards and touchdowns, having earned multiple Pro Bowl nods and cementing his status as one of the greatest receivers of his generation.
New Number, New Horizons in San Francisco
Evans' move to the Bay Area signals a major shift for both the player and the 49ers. After the Buccaneers opted to allocate resources elsewhere following the 2025 season, Evans quickly found a new home with a Super Bowl-contending roster. His arrival gives Purdy a massive, proven weapon on the outside, dramatically altering the landscape of the NFC.
While jersey numbers might seem trivial, they hold significant weight for player branding and fan connection. Evans' willingness to adapt shows his focus is squarely on winning. It's a stark reminder that in team sports, even superstars sometimes have to compromise. This scenario isn't unique; debates over jersey numbers can spark major fan discussions about legacy and tradition.
It also proves that for elite athletes, age is just a number when it comes to performance. Evans, entering his 13th season, is changing his jersey number but not his expectations. Meanwhile, his new quarterback, Brock Purdy, has been reeling in big catches of his own this offseason, albeit of the aquatic variety.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly Evans adapts to his new team and his new number. One thing is certain: whether he's wearing 13, 5, or any other digit, Mike Evans' ability to dominate defensive backfields remains unchanged. The 49ers are betting on that production as they chase a championship, and fans will soon get used to seeing a future Hall of Famer in a brand-new uniform.
