The San Francisco 49ers made headlines this offseason by signing one of the most accomplished wide receivers of this generation, Mike Evans, to a three-year deal. The move gives quarterback Brock Purdy a true WR1—a game-changer who can stretch the field and make clutch catches. But as Evans enters his mid-30s, there are questions about his durability after missing three games in 2024 and nine in 2025.

Enter Terrell Owens, a 49ers legend and Hall of Famer who knows a thing or two about longevity. Over 15 NFL seasons, Owens was remarkably durable, and he recently shared some blunt advice for Evans on staying healthy.

“Obviously he’s been battling hamstring injuries over the last few years with the Buccaneers, and that’s of some concern,” Owens told the Action Network. “Hopefully he can do some things in the offseason to eliminate that. It’s usually been late in the season when he’s been hurt, so he has to change up what he’s doing from a training standpoint. Even nutrition.”

Evans has been putting in the work this offseason, as seen in social media videos showing him grinding. Owens believes that if Evans makes the right adjustments, he can still be a dominant force. “There’s obviously something going on. Bodies can get out of alignment—hips and things of that nature,” Owens said. “If he can address that and be productive, be available for the team toward the end of the season and into the playoffs, they’ve got a good chance.”

Evans started his career with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons—a feat that places him among the elite. But after a 2025 campaign where he managed just 30 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns in eight games, the 49ers are counting on a bounce-back year. If Evans can stay on the field, his combination of size, route-running, and experience could be exactly what San Francisco needs to make a deep playoff run.