If the NFL regular season MVP was not predominantly a quarterback award, one could make an extremely compelling case for Kenneth Walker III. The Super Bowl 60 MVP and former Seattle Seahawks running back has transformed the Kansas City Chiefs' offense through four games, and is a huge reason why this dynasty looks alive and well following a rough 2025 campaign. But there is another offseason acquisition who is having a similarly game-changing difference on the San Francisco 49ers.

“I think the Mike Evans addition through five weeks is just as impactful as the Kenneth Walker addition in Kansas City,” ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky said on Monday's edition of “The Pat McAfee Show.”

“I really do. You can see there is a confidence level and a trust level between Brock Purdy and Mike Evans….Brock knows where he's going to be, when he's going to be there and he's never getting fooled by him… He's totally, totally changed their pass game.”

"I think the Mike Evans addition in San Francisco is just as impactful as the Kenneth Walker addition in Kansas City..

Brock Purdy has unwavering trust in Mike Evans..

He always knows where he's gonna be and he's totally changed their pass game" ~ @danorlovsky7 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/rhoRFcaJn8

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 12, 2026

Evans has 24 receptions for 326 yards and three touchdowns. The Super Bowl 55 champion's numbers are not as robust as Walker's — 621 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns — but he is still stretching the field and elevating Purdy as a passer. Kyle Shanahan is known for his offensive wizardry, and he is making good use of the 6-foot-5 wide receiver.

Article Continues Below

Of course, it is not like Evans required a makeover. He is a Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend and expected Hall of Famer who knows how to execute his role. The two-time Second-Team All-Pro does not care if Kenneth Walker III is dubbed as the top free-agent signing of 2026. He just wants to help the 49ers contend for a championship.

A 5-0 record seems to suggest that he is fulfilling his objective. Dan Orlovsky and the rest of the NFL world will get to watch these two stars compete in the same stadium before year's end. And potentially again in early 2027.