Sticking around in the NFL isn’t easy. One minute you’re a draft pick darling, and the next you can find yourself on the outside looking in for a job in the league.
The San Francisco 49ers under Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have been known to cut bait on players who don’t meet their standards, regardless of draft investments. Think Trey Lance, Tyrion Davis-Price, and Danny Gray. A successful NFL roster should consist of a mixture of cornerstone players, veterans, and youth, who are either contributing
or developing.
Free-agent signings tell you where an organization believes it is weak, which uncovers players on the clock who need to contribute to stick around on the roster.
Who are the three 49ers players who need to step up to stick around in 2026?
Jordan Watkins
Injuries are part of Watkins’ 2025 story. After a successful rookie camp, Watkins had considerable buzz. Still, once the rookie returned to action, he was buried on the depth chart despite the massive need at the receiver position in 2025. Point blank, having Malik Turner and other players off the street run ahead of you isn’t the best sign in the world.
Now, with the additions of Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and one or two draft picks, Watkins is on the clock. Lynch spoke at the combine about Watkins needing to step up, and that is a public challenge to the rookie to perform. If the 49ers draft a first-round receiver, the bottom of the depth chart awaits Watkins unless he turns it around.
It comes down to practice habits. No, players should not just figure it out in actual games. Build the trust, and you can earn playing time.
Jacob Cowing
There is a familiar theme in this piece with draft picks at the position. Some optimism for Cowing is Lynch’s comments at the combine, which felt the opposite of his comments on Watkins. Unprovoked, the 49ers GM mentioned Cowing as a player the organization is excited about. The former fourth-round pick has talent, but if he can’t make it to the field due to injuries, then it’s a frustrating situation all around.
Like Watkins, Cowing presents a vertical aspect to the 49ers offense, which they desperately need. The 49ers praised Cowing’s offseason, but a hamstring injury derailed his season, and now the former Arizona receiver needs to put it together in year three.
Ricky Pearsall
I’m as shocked as you are to see Pearsall on this list. The glimpses are there. The talent is clear. However, the former first-round pick has to overcome the injury bug. When Pearsall was drafted, it was assumed he would replace one of Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk in the 49ers offense. Now, Samuel is gone, and Aiyuk is on the way out, but the 49ers aren’t certain Pearsall can step into that number one role for the team.
The same goes for Pearsall as Cowing and Watkins. The 49ers certainly will add one or two more receivers in the draft. Although Evans and Kirk are one-year deals, the 49ers need assurance they can rely on Pearsall for the future to go in tandem with their draft picks.
