As the 2026 NFL offseason heats up, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves once again in the market for reinforcements at wide receiver. This isn’t about chasing a flashy name for headlines - it’s about smart roster building. With a high-powered offense that thrives on versatility and timing, San Francisco is looking to add depth, speed, and reliability to its receiving corps, whether through free agency or the draft.
Let’s take a closer look at three intriguing wideout options who could help elevate the 49ers' aerial attack - each bringing a different flavor to Kyle Shanahan’s offensive recipe.
Alec Pierce: A Vertical Threat Built for Shanahan’s System
If you’re looking for a field-stretcher who can tilt the defense and open up the playbook, Alec Pierce checks a lot of boxes. Coming off a breakout 2025 campaign where he racked up 1,003 yards on just 47 catches, Pierce didn’t just flash potential - he delivered production. His 22.6 yards per reception last season wasn’t just impressive; it was a statement.
Pierce has the kind of speed and route-running polish that makes defensive backs uncomfortable. He forces safeties to stay honest, which opens up room underneath for tight ends and backs - a key element in Shanahan’s layered passing attack.
What makes him even more appealing is his age and upward trajectory. He’s not just a plug-and-play deep threat; he’s a long-term investment who could grow into a staple of the offense.
Plugging Pierce into this system could give the 49ers something they haven’t consistently had: a true vertical weapon who can take the top off defenses and punish single coverage. In an offense that already features a strong ground game and elite tight end play, that kind of dynamic presence outside could be the missing piece.
Deebo Samuel: A Familiar Face with Unfinished Business
Reuniting with Deebo Samuel might not carry the same sizzle it did a few years ago, but it could still be a savvy move. No, he’s not the same breakaway threat he once was - age and wear have taken a toll - but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a difference-maker.
Samuel’s value now lies in his experience, toughness, and deep understanding of Shanahan’s offense. He knows the nuances of the system, how to find space in the short and intermediate zones, and how to turn a five-yard slant into a 20-yard gain. After a bounce-back season in Washington, it’s clear he still has gas in the tank - just not as the WR1 he once was.
The challenge, of course, is the contract. Samuel is expected to seek a significant multi-year deal, and the 49ers are well aware of how complex negotiations with him can get.
But from a football standpoint, there’s no denying the fit. He brings leadership, familiarity, and a physical edge that could help stabilize a reshaped receiving group.
Christian Kirk: The Underrated Playoff Performer
Christian Kirk isn’t going to dominate headlines, but that’s not what San Francisco needs. What they do need is a reliable, savvy veteran who can deliver in big moments - and that’s exactly what Kirk showed during the postseason.
While his regular season didn’t exactly pop off the stat sheet, Kirk reminded everyone in the playoffs why he’s such a valuable asset. He understands timing, knows how to find soft spots in zone coverage, and has the kind of route discipline that quarterbacks trust - especially when the pressure ratchets up.
Kirk profiles as a dependable WR3 or slot option - a guy who can move the chains, convert on third down, and make the right play at the right time. He won’t cost a fortune, and he won’t demand the spotlight. But he will add stability and depth to a receiving corps that needs both.
The Bottom Line
The 49ers aren’t looking to overhaul their offense - they’re looking to fine-tune it. With a strong foundation already in place, the goal this offseason is to find complementary pieces that can elevate the passing game without disrupting the balance that makes this team tick.
Whether it’s the explosive upside of Alec Pierce, the system-savvy reliability of Deebo Samuel, or the playoff poise of Christian Kirk, San Francisco has options. And if they play it right, they could turn an already dangerous offense into one of the most complete units in the league.