The rehab process for Brandon Aiyuk continues. As the 49ers’ top receiver recovers from an ACL tear, the wait is ongoing with respect to when he will be cleared to return. 
That could take place early in the 2025 season, but Aiyuk’s absence and the decision to trade away Deebo Samuel have left some wondering if further moves at the WR spot will be made this summer. At this point, though, general manager John Lynch does not plan on adding another pass-catcher.
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In addition to Aiyuk, San Francisco has fifth-year veteran Jauan Jennings, 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall and free agent addition Demarcus Robinson on the depth chart. That group is in position to enter training camp next month without future competition as things stand. The 49ers have plenty of spending power, but a free agent or trade pursuit would come as a surprise based on Lynch’s stance.
“We always keep a look for what’s out there, but we do like our group,” Lynch said during an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco (via David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone). “I think, first of all, you start with Jauan. Jauan had a tremendous season last year. He’s been a tremendous competitor, player for us since he’s been here… Ricky is a really ascending player we’re excited about. Just scratched the surface of who he could be. And Ricky’s going to play well for us this year. I’m confident in that.
“So, in total, there’s opportunity out there, and then we’ll have a gift when [Aiyuk] comes back, whenever that is. But these guys, we’re comfortable and confident in their ability to get the job done until that time.”
Jennings benefitted from injuries elsewhere on offense and posted a career-best statline (77-975-6) in 2024. Another strong showing this year would help the pending free agent’s market value considerably. Pearsall averaged 12.9 yards per catch in limited action as a rookie, but he could take a step forward in Year 2. The 24-year-old is dealing with a hamstring issue which cost him time during the spring, although a return by training camp is expected. An impressive showing when healthy would help confirm the 49ers’ plan of relying on their in-house options especially until Aiyuk is cleared.
love third and juwan but hes not gonna take the top off a defense and neither is pearsall
They probably won’t have to all that much. This offense scored 23 points a game without a healthy CMC. With him back, they will be better. Everything revolves around the defense. They were the reason for the losses last year and will be the reason for whatever record they have this season.
You’re right about taking the top off-that’s not their style-but how much can you count on a healthy McCaffrey at this stage? I’m sure that he’ll provide a boost to an offense that will probably be above average at its worst, but you would feel better with not having to rely too much on his availability at this stage in his career.
I’m not saying that the 9ers will depend only on him in the backfield, because they won’t, but to point to the defense (which should be better) doesn’t eliminate any questions about the offense. Even with McCaffrey being healthy (hopefully) and an improved defense, it seems like the 9ers are planning to wait those early games and hope that Aiyuk’s return is successful and soon. He wasn’t exactly playing well before, but having Jennings and Pearsall and Kittle should all together make for a solid array of options with Aiyuk added. McCaffrey will be a weapon in both rush and pass, too; my main thought here is that he should be considered an addition and contributor more than a lynchpin at this point in his career. I don’t think that the 9ers will be in trouble this year, but I also wouldn’t consider their issues solved per se. there looks like there is room for upgrading. Unfortunately, there are a few limiting contracts here and there.
The offense could have played better as well but if the defense is giving up 25-26 points a game still, it doesn’t matter what the offense does. Cincinnati scored 28 points a game last year and missed the playoffs because their defense was just as bad. They had the top WR and probably the 2nd best quarterback last year and still couldn’t overcome 26 points a game. If the defense brings that down to 21-23 points a game, then we can start pointing fingers at the offense.
No arguments there, I actually agree with most of it. But it’s still fair to ask about how the offense will turn out. I don’t know how much more Lynch can do at this very moment to fix their (possible) needs, but the 9ers are relying on two recently players to carry a big load on offense in McCaffrey and Aiyuk. Aiyuk was pretty disappointing before going down, and McCaffrey has gotten some wear on his tires. I don’t expect either to be out of juice entirely, but I’d also think that San Fran should be prepared for the possibility that either (or both) might have a disappointing season again.
In addition, they have some aged stars in Kittle, Williams, and Jusczyk that are still good for the moment; however, that could change if things go south. I’m not predicting doom for San Fran at all; I just feel a bit cautious for the possibility of an injury or decline for some of the riskier players on offense. I could be wrong to feel concerned, certainly, and the 9ers could have good luck on the injury/age front. We’ll see.
Keenan Allen…….
A lot of people have to do their job well AND stay healthy for this window to stay open…. this year…..
Maybe they should use CMC at WR and RB split more evenly. Even use him more like Samuel. That will be the interesting part. How much does the play book change this year?
I’d do that. Guerrendo is young, and will probably see an increased load anyway to see what he’s got. Using McCaffrey as a pass catcher and lining Guerrendo up in the backfield could be a way to utilize both at the same time. It could take some pressure off Pearsall and Jennings or even Aiyuk if necessary. If I’m Shanahan (and I know that this is a recurring criticism of his), I’m trying to preserve snap counts for Aiyuk and especially McCaffrey this year.
That was the obvious choice last year with Mason when CMC came back and Shanahan wanted nothing to do with it. CMC got 99% of the carries until he got hurt again. I see the same this year with Guerendo getting very little usage unless an injury pops up.
I said that two years ago, and mentioned they could trade Deebo or Aiyuk for a haul in that scenario.
You can keep the guy that blows the top off. I want the guy that runs the right route and knows how to go get the ball in traffic and can win one on one’s. Samuel and Aiyuk had problems winning the one on ones. Of course no one WR has to do it all. Especially if McCaffrey is truly healthy. He could get 100 rec again.
Ayiuk has issues because his greedy mentality kept him out of camp and he wan’t ready for the season. The year before he was open all the time.
Translation…looking for a WR.
The Niners like Washington as a trade partner and coincidently there just happens to be a WR staging a holdout over there.
Except the Niners aren’t going to take on another huge WR contract,
Lol if Washington trades McLaurin, they aren’t winning anything again for awhile.
Aiyuk was a huuuuge mistake