Key departures loom as the 49ers face a dramatic overhaul, potentially reshaping their entire pass-catching corps for 2026.
On paper, it’s one of the thinnest position groups on the roster heading into 2026. Jauan Jennings is a pending free agent. Brandon Aiyuk is going to be traded or released. George Kittle is working his way back from a January Achilles tear and may not be ready for Week 1. And while there has been outside speculation about a Deebo Samuel reunion, recent reporting suggests that scenario is unlikely.
According to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, neither Jennings nor Samuel should be expected back in San Francisco next season. While teammates like Kittle have publicly expressed affection for Samuel, Maiocco indicated there hasn’t been a meaningful shift that would suddenly spark a reunion.
If that proves accurate, the 49ers could enter training camp without three of their most familiar pass-catchers from recent seasons.
That leaves Ricky Pearsall as a young piece with upside, but still something of an unknown after an injury riddled year. It also magnifies the importance of Kendrick Bourne.
Bourne, while not flashy, put together a solid 2025 campaign, finishing with 37 receptions for 551 yards while serving as a steady presence amid injuries. He proved reliable in key spots and maintained chemistry within the offense. More importantly, he has made it clear he wants to stay.
On his YouTube channel, Bourne stated that returning to San Francisco is his preference, though he acknowledged the deal has to make sense for both sides. From a roster-building perspective, bringing him back would provide veteran depth and continuity, which are two things this receiver room desperately needs.
The 49ers have also been loosely connected to bigger names across the league, but premium options would likely command top-of-market money. That may not align with a front office that appears intent on getting younger and more financially flexible at the position.
The bigger question is philosophical: what does Kyle Shanahan want this room to look like in 2026?
San Francisco needs a true No. 1 option who can create separation and win consistently against top coverage. They likely need another starting caliber receiver, depending on how they project Pearsall’s development. They also need reliable depth behind them.
This isn’t about one move. It’s about reshaping the identity of the entire receiver room that desperately needs some continuity.
If Jennings and Samuel are indeed out of the picture, the 49ers will be rebuilding a room that once was a defining feature of their offense.