The NFC West is no place for the faint of heart. With the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks and a loaded Rams squad already setting the bar sky-high heading into 2026, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a division that demands more than just talent - it demands reinvention. And if the Niners want to keep pace, there's one area that needs immediate attention: the pass-catching corps.
Yes, the defensive line could use a boost, and yes, there are always depth concerns to address. But the biggest question looming over this offseason is how San Francisco plans to give Brock Purdy the weapons he needs to thrive. Because right now, the cupboard is looking a little too bare for comfort.
Let’s start with what they’ve got. George Kittle remains one of the league’s premier tight ends, but he’s coming off a serious Achilles injury.
Even in the best-case scenario, there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready for Week 1 - or that he’ll be the same dominant force he was pre-injury. That alone should have the front office thinking hard about adding insurance at tight end.
Ricky Pearsall is another returning piece, but he’s struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. When he’s on the field, he’s solid - a reliable route-runner with good hands - but he’s not the kind of playmaker who can carry a passing game on his own.
And beyond Pearsall and Kittle? The depth chart gets thin in a hurry.
Jauan Jennings is headed for free agency, and Brandon Aiyuk’s days in a 49ers uniform appear to be numbered. That leaves a gaping hole at wide receiver, one that can’t be patched with late-round flyers or bargain-bin signings. The 49ers need a legitimate No. 1 or No. 2 option - someone who can stretch the field, win contested catches, and give Purdy a go-to target when things break down.
Re-signing Jennings would be a good start, but it can’t be the only move. Whether it’s through free agency or the draft, San Francisco has to be aggressive. Even if a top-tier receiver like George Pickens isn’t in the cards, there are still impact players available who could step in and contribute right away.
And don’t sleep on the tight end position either. Jake Tonges is serviceable, but if Kittle isn’t 100%, the offense could sputter without a second option. Bringing in a player like David Njoku - someone who can block, catch, and create mismatches in two-tight-end sets - would give Kyle Shanahan the kind of flexibility he thrives on.
The bottom line? The 49ers can’t afford to roll into 2026 with question marks at receiver and tight end.
They’ve got the quarterback. They’ve got the system.
Now they need the weapons. John Lynch and the front office have shown they’re not afraid to make bold moves - and this offseason, they’ll need to do just that if they want to keep up in the NFL’s toughest neighborhood.