The San Francisco 49ers are entering the offseason with a few big questions to answer, but none loom larger than what they’ll do at wide receiver. What was once a position of depth and strength has become a puzzle with several missing pieces - and the front office will need to get creative to solve it.
Brandon Aiyuk has likely played his final down in a 49ers uniform, and Jauan Jennings could be next out the door. That’s two key contributors from a passing game that’s helped propel San Francisco to sustained success under Kyle Shanahan. Add in the injury setbacks for 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, and suddenly, what was once a loaded room now feels dangerously thin.
It doesn’t stop there. Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore are also headed for free agency, which means the Niners could be down four receivers who’ve all played meaningful snaps in recent seasons. That’s not just a depth issue - that’s a full-on reset.
There’s still hope in Pearsall, who showed flashes of why the 49ers used premium draft capital on him. He’s a polished route-runner with the kind of deep-threat ability that can stretch defenses and open up the middle of the field. But even with his upside, it was clear late in the 2025 season that San Francisco missed a true “X” receiver - someone who can win on the outside, beat press coverage, and consistently create separation on their own.
If Jennings walks, the team will also be losing a dependable possession target who brought some sneaky big-play potential. He’s not flashy, but he’s the kind of receiver who moves the chains and shows up in big moments - the type every quarterback loves to have in their corner.
The 49ers would like to bring Jennings back, but only if the price is right. And with some cap flexibility heading into free agency, there’s a case to be made for going after a proven veteran to stabilize the room.
One name that makes a lot of sense: Alec Pierce. The Colts receiver led the NFL in yards per reception (21.3) for the second straight year in 2025.
That’s not a fluke - that’s a vertical threat who can flip the field in a heartbeat. Pierce could slide right into that X receiver role and give Brock Purdy the kind of outside weapon he lacked down the stretch.
Don’t be surprised if Kendrick Bourne ends up back in red and gold, either. He knows the system, he’s a locker room favorite, and he can still contribute - especially if Jennings departs. That kind of familiarity matters, especially to a coach like Shanahan, who values precision and timing in his offensive scheme.
As for the younger guys - Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins - the jury’s still out. Both were fourth-round picks and haven’t logged many snaps yet.
Shanahan hasn’t shown much inclination to throw them into the fire, and it’s fair to wonder if he trusts them enough to take on bigger roles in 2026. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be part of the plan.
Given the team’s needs elsewhere - particularly along the defensive line - it might be time for the 49ers to lean into a youth movement at wide receiver. And there’s a blueprint for how to do it: look no further than the Green Bay Packers.
Since 2022, the Packers have made a habit of investing in young receivers through the draft. Eight picks in four years.
And while they’ve never had a clear-cut No. 1, the depth and development across the board has paid off. Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks - all have made meaningful contributions.
And first-rounder Matthew Golden made an immediate impact as a rookie last season.
The 49ers already have three intriguing young receivers in Pearsall, Watkins, and Cowing. Purdy has shown he can build chemistry quickly - he did it with Pearsall this past season and flashed the same connection with Watkins in training camp. Even Cowing had a few encouraging moments in limited action back in 2024.
So while the Niners might prefer to lean on veteran experience, there’s a real argument for doubling down on the draft and letting the young guys compete. Purdy’s ability to get the ball out quickly and on time makes life easier for developing receivers. And Shanahan has shown time and again that he can manufacture offense even when the weapons aren’t household names.
Demarcus Robinson is still under contract, and Moore could be brought back thanks to his value on special teams. So there’s some veteran presence baked in. But if San Francisco adds another rookie to the mix and gives this young group a chance to grow together, it could pay off - not just in 2026, but for years to come.
The 49ers are walking a tightrope this offseason. They need to stay competitive while getting younger and managing the cap.
That’s not easy. But betting on Shanahan’s system, and on Purdy’s poise and accuracy, might be the smartest way forward.
Trust the process, invest in youth, and let the competition play out.
One way or another, how the 49ers address wide receiver will be one of the defining storylines of their offseason.