SANTA CLARA – Only nine players in NFL history have more touchdown receptions than Mike Evans — for now.
Evans could climb the chart as he comes to the 49ers for at least his 13th NFL season. Looking into his dozen-year legacy in Tampa Bay, gaudy statistics and specifically his scoring knack can’t be understated.
“Here’s a guy that has over 800 receptions, over 13,000 yards, 108 touchdowns – the evidence is right there,” Jerry Rice, the NFL’s most proficient receiver ever, said Tuesday morning on 95.7 The Game.
Rice is right. Evans’ evidence as a play-making, touchdown-scoring skillset is what the 49ers need to first unlock the NFC West’s damn-good defenses, and then make their sixth playoff run in eight seasons.
Evans agreed Monday to a three-year contract that can reach $60 million, but just $16.3 million is guaranteed for this season, so there’s an urgency to deliver.
“Now it’s just getting him in that mix, getting him comfortable on that football field,” Rice added. “Him and Brock are going to have to work together to build that chemistry. He has all the tools. Players will sit back and watch this potential Hall of Famer go to work.”
Evans’ 108 touchdown catches are the NFL’s most among active players behind only the Los Angeles Rams’ Davante Adams, a Palo Alto High graduate and fellow 2014 NFL Draft product.
Before the 49ers reconvene next month to start offseason workouts, here is a deeper dive into Evans’ statistics:
NFL RECEIVING TD LEADERS
1. Jerry Rice 197
2. Randy Moss 156
3. Terrell Owens 153
4. Chris Carter 130
5. Marvin Harrison 128
6. Larry Fitzgerald 121
7. Davante Adams 117
8. Antonio Gates 116
9. Tony Gonzalez 111
10. Mike Evans 108
*All are Pro Football Hall of Famers except Adams and Evans.
TD DISTANCES
62: From inside the red zone (inside 20)
25: Within 3 yards
25: From 4-9 yards
12: From 10-19 yards
QBs WHO THREW TDs
Tom Brady (2020-22): 32
Jameis Winston (2015-19): 31
Baker Mayfield (2023-25): 27
Josh McCown (2014): 8
Ryan Fitzpatrick (2017-18): 5
Mike Glennon (2013-16): 4
Blaine Gabbert (2020-22): 1
FIRST TOUCHDOWN
Sept. 28, 2014 (Week 4)
7-yard pass from Mike Glennon
7-0 lead in 27-24 win at Steelers
NON-CATCH TOUCHDOWN
Nov. 18, 2018 at N.Y. Giants
Fumble recovery in end zone
*Also had 120 receiving yards and late TD in 38-35 loss
TOUCHDOWNS BY YEAR
2014: 12
2015: 3
2016: 12
2017: 5
2018: 9
2019: 8
2020: 13
2021: 14
2022: 6
2023: 13*
2024: 11
2025: 3
*Led NFL
MOST TDs PER OPPONENTS
Panthers: 15
Falcons: 13
Giants: 8
Scored against all teams except Raiders, Patriots, Texans, Bucs
3 against 49ers, Seahawks, Rams; 2 vs. Cardinals
CAREER STATS
866 receptions (sixth among active players; 31st all-time)
13,052 receiving yards (second among active players, 21st all-time)
15.1 yards per catch (fourth among active players, 187th all-time)
Statistics provided by pro-football-reference.com
LOST FUMBLES
2 (2015, 2018)
CAREER CARRIES
1, for 10 yards, 2021 vs. Giants
MOST TOUCHDOWNS IN GAME (3)
Sept. 22, 2019 vs. Giants
Oct. 24, 2021 vs. Bears
Jan. 1, 2023 vs. Panthers
MOST RECEPTIONS IN GAME
12 for 180 yards, TD at Seattle, 2019
MOST YARDS IN GAME
209 — November 2014 at Washington
207 — Jan. 1, 2023 vs. Carolina
198 — Oct. 27, 2019 at Tennessee
MOST TARGETS IN GAME
19 (8 catches, 150 yards): Nov. 8, 2015 vs. Giants
PENALTY BOX
29 offensive pass interference calls since 2014
9 OPIs since 2019, 2 last season, 0 in 2024
5 unsportsmanlike conduct/unnecessary roughness
1 disqualification, 1-game suspension (2022 fight vs. Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore)
OFFENSIVE SNAP COUNT
87% career high in 2017 (15 games)
65% career low in 2025 (8 games)
SOFI STADIUM HISTORY
(Site of Super Bowl LXI)
2021 vs. Rams: 8 catches, 106 yards
2024 vs. Chargers: 9 catches, 159 yards, 2 TD