Demarcus Robinson · SF

Christian McCaffrey

RB · SF

George Kittle

TE · SF

+6 players

general

Which 49ers player will be the biggest standout during training camp?

Yahoo Sports NFLJul 23, 2026, 9:27 PM+15 stories · 30dSource ↗

Christian McCaffrey George Kittle Christian Kirk

We are a few days away from the San Francisco 49ers’ entire team reporting to training camp. We’ll see how often Kyle Shanahan gives veterans like Trent Williams and Christian McCaffrey days off. We know players like Nick Bosa , George Kittle , and Mykel Williams are recovering from season-ending injuries. That opens the door for some other players on the roster to make a name for themselves and catch the eyes of the coaching staff. That’s especially true for the new faces on the roster. And there are plenty of those who will look to take advantage of potential openings. Whether that’s Christian Kirk at wide receiver, Robert Jones or Brett Toth at guard, Nate Hobbs in the secondary, or one of the undrafted free agent rookies added on defense, we can expect somebody to stand out. Last season, that was Demarcus Robinson . He was unguardable during training camp. You would have thought he was Brandon Aiyuk the way he was being talked about last August. Unfortunately, that summer success never came to fruition during the season. So, who will be the summer standout this year? My answer: Jacob Cowing In these practice settings, it tends to be the wide receiver, much like Robinson a year ago. I’ll go with the player who I think can carry over a strong training camp into the regular season. There will be veteran days off for Mike Evans during training camp and the preseason. That’ll open the door for other wideouts. So I’m going with Jacob Cowing, a guy who adds a speed dimension that the 49ers did not have a season ago. Ricky Pearsall tested extraordinarily well, but, to the eye test, Cowing plays faster than Pearsall. Cowing will be lined up in the slot and off the ball in advantageous matchups against a secondary that does not run well, at least compared to Cowing. Usage matters. Cowing will likely run deep crossing routes or routes with vertical stems. He may have a screen or two mixed in with an underneath route, but he’s a vertical threat. That’ll lead to big plays, splash plays, and “oohs and ahhs” from the crowd. That’ll show in preseason games, as will Cowing’s ability as a returner. He should get enough opportunities returning punts and kicks. It’s another area where Cowing can show off his speed and prove to the coaching staff that he can make an impact

Mike Evans

WR · SF

Christian Kirk

WR · SF

+4 players

general

2 surprise cut candidates for the 49ers ahead of training camp

Yahoo Sports NFLJul 13, 2026, 11:17 PM+14 stories · 30dSource ↗

Mike Evans Christian Kirk De'Zhaun Stribling

With training camp approaching and the final cut-down date on August 30th, the San Francisco 49ers may make some surprising roster moves. Potential veterans on the chopping block include a consistent lineman and a 10-year wide receiver, as the team looks to integrate new free-agent signings and draft picks. A safety is also mentioned as a possible cut, depending on the development of younger players and potential offseason acquisitions

Brock Purdy

QB · SF

Mac Jones

QB · SF

+7 players

general

Examining the deepest and thinnest position groups for the 49ers

Yahoo Sports NFLJun 30, 2026, 10:30 PM+9 stories · 30dSource ↗

Brock Purdy Mac Jones Mike Evans

With training camp for the San Francisco 49ers beginning next month, the race for a spot on the 53-man roster will begin. For the 49ers, aside from a few spots, their starting defense and offense are set with multiple players returning from injury. Left guard and one spot on the defensive line in base downs come right to mind as available spots with the chance of a change at safety. With that in mind, which are the deepest and thinnest position groups for the 49ers? Deepest: Quarterback This answer feels like a cop out; however, the combination of Brock Purdy and Mac Jones helped the 49ers finish with 13 wins. It’s fair to wonder where the 49ers would have ended up in 2025 without Jones. Even with the impactful injuries, Jones kept the 49ers winning. Purdy played some of the best football of his career in 2025, but he has been injured during his time as the 49ers’ starter. Having someone like Jones is a huge safety net. Ideally, Jones would never have to take a snap unless the 49ers are involved in a blowout. Either way, the combination of Purdy and Jones is as good as it gets in the NFL. Honorable mention: Wide Receiver The addition of Mike Evans , De’Zhaun Stribling, and Christian Kirk has completely reshaped the receiver room. The reason the receiver group isn’t the deepest position group is the question mark behind Ricky Pearsall on the depth chart. Jordan Watkins ? Demarcus Robinson ? Jacob Cowing ? Thinnest: Linebacker Fred Warner is back and is the best linebacker in the NFL. Dre Greenlaw returned on a one-year deal, and the 49ers shipped Dee Winters to Dallas . The reason this group is ranked as the thinnest is the injury concerns for Greenlaw and the potential replacements. Tatum Bethune filled in as best as he could before his season ended. The 49ers had to turn to Garrett Wallow and Eric Kendricks in a pinch. If Greenlaw misses extended time, Nick Martin will likely fill in, but he has very little NFL experience. The issue with linebacker is much like many spots on the team for the 49ers. Unfortunately, you have to start any statement with “if they stay healthy.” For a longer and more detailed discussion around each position group, check out the video below with Niners Nation’s Andrew Pasquini

De'Zhaun Stribling

WR · SF

Deebo Samuel

+4 players

general

49ers 90-in-90: De’Zhaun Stribling opens up the playbook for Kyle Shanahan

Yahoo Sports NFLJun 25, 2026, 12:08 AM+4 stories · 30dSource ↗

De'Zhaun Stribling Deebo Samuel Jauan Jennings

We knew the San Francisco 49ers would draft a wide receiver based on their pre-draft visits . Yet, despite not meeting with John Lynch or Kyle Shanahan, the team traded out of the first round to acquire a couple of more picks to select “their guy.” Not Omar Cooper Jr. Not KC Concepcion. Not Chris Bell. De’Zhaun Stribling. That’s right, the player who was being mocked in the fourth round for much of the draft cycle ended up being the Niners first selection. Think about the wide receivers the 49ers fielded last year. Demarcus Robinson , Jauan Jennings , and Kendrick Bourne — not exactly a group that was the fleetest of foot. The lack of separation hindered the offense in multiple ways. A Kyle Shanahan offense couldn’t stretch the field or win outside of the numbers. Now think about the 49ers using those players in the formation as run blockers. There is no world where Christian McCaffrey should only average 3.1 yards per carry rushing outside of the tackles. For reference, in 2023, McCaffrey averaged seven yards per carry outside of the tackles. Last season, that number was more than halved. And it wasn’t because of Colton McKivitz or Trent Williams . Enter a wideout whose father was in the military, who happens to be a shade over 6’2″ with hands creeping up on DeForest Buckner . Oh, and he runs a 4.3 40. Age: 23 Experience: Rookie Height: 6’2 Weight: 207 pounds The 49ers valued extra draft picks over a fifth-year option of Stribling. His protated signing bonus is $1.54 million over each of the next four seasons. Stribling’s cap number will never exceed $4.5 million during his rookie contract. The obvious comparison for Stribling is that he’ll be a 1-for-1 replacement for Jauan Jennings. To me, that’s selling him short. I think it’s more likely Stribling is closer to Deebo Samuel ’s production during his tenure with the Niners than Jennings. Deebo moved around the formation, lined up in the backfield, and saw his route tree evolve. That wasn’t the case with Jennings, who didn’t offer much outside of the numbers. Deebo hit the ground running as a rookie, albeit in a much different offense. Samuel had 959 yards from scrimmage during his first year with six touchdowns. Samuel accomplished that without needing a ton of volume, which is a good sign if we’re projecting numbers for Stribling. The rookie will be behind Mike Evans , Ricky Pearsall , George Kittle , and Christian McCaffrey on the receiving totem pole. But his skill set should keep Stribling on the field. Stribling can run the deep in-breaking routes that the offense couldn’t run last season. He’s also a threat on back-shoulder fades. Ole Miss used Stribling occasionally on jet sweeps. That’s part of the playbook that was crossed off last season. When you break it down to the different areas the 49ers couldn’t attack last season, it’s pretty easy to see why they went out and drafted a player like Stribling. He gets to learn under Evans, and is also insurance if the top two wideouts get hurt. Speaking of, Stribling doesn’t have an extensive injury history. His availability is another trait that made him attractive to the 49ers. Stribling broke his left wrist during Oklahoma State’s bye week in 2023. But outside of that, he was durable during his collegiate days. The Niners are hoping that continues as a pro, so they can lean on his height-weight-speed combo in both the running and passing games. Predict Stribling’s rookie stat line below

Mike Evans

WR · SF

Brock Purdy

QB · SF

+8 players

general

Why Mike Evans must come up big in 2026 for the 49ers

Yahoo Sports NFLJun 17, 2026, 11:09 PM+15 stories · 30dSource ↗

Mike Evans Brock Purdy Christian McCaffrey

At various points in 2025, the San Francisco 49ers offense was carried by Brock Purdy , Kyle Shanahan, and Christian McCaffrey . Injuries took a toll on both sides of the ball, but there were times when Mac Jones was throwing the football to Jake Tonges , Demarcus Robinson , and Kendrick Bourne . The constants were Shanahan and McCaffrey. Although McCaffrey didn’t run efficiently, he more than made up for it with his receiving ability. Oftentimes, it was the CMC show, and when Purdy returned, the offense took off as the 49ers ripped off wins before clinching a playoff berth. The trio of Shanahan, Purdy, and McCaffrey simply needs to return to the form of 2025 for the 49ers offense to put up points. There is no predicting injuries in the NFL, but what if I told you the most important 49ers weapon is Mike Evans in 2026? Let’s get the obvious out of the way: nobody is more important to the 49ers’ success than the quarterback. McCaffrey will be leaned on again without proven, reliable depth behind him. Shanahan’s playcalling is the ultimate advantage for the 49ers. However, Evans is the most important weapon, given the questions around Ricky Pearsall , the newest weapons, and George Kittle heading into 2026. When the 49ers take on the Rams in Australia in Week 1, Evans needs to hit the ground running. Los Angeles loaded up on cornerbacks; Evans has to tip the scales back to the 49ers. The skill set of the former Buccaneers great and Purdy should blend seamlessly. Throughout 2026, Evans has to be a constant and a rock for the offense. Now, let’s envision the worst-case scenario and McCaffrey misses games in 2026. Shanahan has been able to create a running game with other running backs, so Jordan James or Kaelon Black will be put in a position to succeed. However, it would fall on Evans to carry more of the workload and become the red zone weapon that McCaffrey was. Unfortunately, the 49ers can’t have a slow start from Evans. Of course, optimism is high for Pearsall in year three, the return of Kittle, and the infusion of rookie De’Zhaun Stribling and veteran Christian Kirk , but there are questions surrounding them all. Evans has to be a constant force for the offense. The veteran will be looked to for guidance by the younger receivers, but more for instant production. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding Evans during the season, the future Hall of Famer is vital and imperative to the 49ers’ offense and success. The match between Evans, Purdy, and Shanahan’s offense is a dream. The results must bear themselves out immediately and throughout the 2026 season. For a longer discussion and other players who need to step up in 2026, Steph Sanchez and I discuss at length in the video below: