Four wide receivers appear safe from any San Francisco 49ers roster cuts this offseason. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the group is expected to feature Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, Ricky Pearsall, and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling.

After that, the battle for the remaining roster spots could become one of the more intriguing competitions of training camp.


Demarcus Robinson is the most experienced player among the remaining candidates. However, his production during his first season with the 49ers was underwhelming. Robinson finished with just 22 receptions for 276 receiving yards—his fewest since 2021—and one touchdown. It was not the level of production San Francisco envisioned when it signed him to a two-year deal.

Still, Robinson showed flashes late in the season. In the 49ers' playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the veteran wideout hauled in six receptions on seven targets for 111 yards and a touchdown.

Also competing for roster spots are younger receivers Jacob Cowing, a fourth-round pick in 2024, and Jordan Watkins, a fourth-round selection in 2025. Both players have dealt with injuries since joining the NFL, making it difficult to fully evaluate their potential.

In a recent mailbag article for the San Francisco Chronicle, Eric Branch examined the outlook for both players while revisiting their injury histories. Branch noted that Cowing was never sidelined during his 58-game collegiate career, while Watkins was available in 57 of 60 games.

Branch expects the 49ers to keep six wide receivers on the initial 53-man roster, leaving Cowing, Watkins, and Robinson competing for the final two spots.


"Watkins is a 2025 pick," Branch wrote. "That means he'd need to channel A.J. Jenkins in training camp for the 49ers to give up on him after one season. Cowing, a 2024 pick, is on shakier ground. Unlike Robinson, however, he provides special-teams value. He was a serviceable punt returner as a rookie, and he's among the top candidates to take over this season after Skyy Moore signed with the Packers."

That special-teams value could give Cowing an advantage in the competition, especially if he can continue developing as an offensive contributor. Before injuries slowed his momentum last offseason, the young receiver appeared much-improved heading into his second NFL season.

"I thought Jake had one of the best OTAs out of anybody on our team in terms of most-improved, the most prepared for it," head coach Kyle Shanahan said in July 2025 after Cowing suffered a torn hamstring.

This offseason will be critical for both Cowing and Watkins as they seek roster spots. Both have combined for six receptions and 106 receiving yards over their careers.

Meanwhile, Robinson will look to prove he can be a reliable target for quarterback Brock Purdy within Kyle Shanahan's offense.


"Watkins and Cowing are like many of the 49ers' recent draft picks," Branch added. "The jury is still out, but the arrow isn't up."

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