Richard Sherman flags unexpected Brock Purdy dilemma after Mike Evans joined 49ers on $60,400,000 deal

Mike Evans joined the San Francisco 49ers, agreeing to a three-year contract worth up to $60.4 million on Monday. The move ended the veteran wide receiver’s 12-year tenure with Tampa Bay.

Evans became the Buccaneers’ all-time leading scorer and set franchise records for receptions, yards and touchdowns. He also recorded 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons, matching Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s NFL record.

Evans achieved his career milestones wearing the No. 13 jersey. However, that number is used in San Francisco by the team’s franchise quarterback, Brock Purdy. Many are curious which number he’ll choose, including former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman.

“Wonder what number he will wear 🤔,” Sherman tweeted.

The wideout has donned the No. 13 jersey since his college days at Texas A&M and continued with it in the NFL.

Whether Evans chooses a single-digit number or something entirely different in San Francisco remains to be seen. However, seeing him in a different number could one of the most awkward sights of the 2026 season.

Could Mike Evans buy the No. 13 jersey from Brock Purdy?

It’s common for players to buy, negotiate for or trade jersey numbers when joining a new team. The deals often involve payments or gifts worth thousands of dollars.

However, it could be a different case for Mike Evans with the San Francisco 49ers as Brock Purdy has a personal and family connection to No. 13.

“My dad grew up a Miami Dolphins fan, and he loved Dan Marino,” Purdy said to reporters in February 20024. “So, when I was growing up, my dad always tried to teach me to throw with a quick motion like Dan Marino. I was like, ‘What number was he?’ And he said, ’13.’ So I’ve always been 13.”

Purdy was drafted at No. 262 in 2022 and worked his way to become the 49ers’ QB1. He signed a five-year, $265 million extension in May, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks.