49ers prediction casts doubt over Ricky Pearsall's future

The 2026 season could be a pivotal one for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. The former first-round pick has shown flashes of potential, but injuries have limited his opportunities to establish himself as a consistent contributor.

The 49ers selected Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, hoping he would develop into a long-term playmaker in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. However, his first two seasons have been interrupted by setbacks.

Pearsall missed the beginning of his rookie season after being shot before the start of the 2024 campaign. Despite the delayed debut, he finished the year with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns, creating excitement about his sophomore NFL season.

Unfortunately, last season, Pearsall dealt with a PCL injury that limited him to just nine games. He recorded 36 catches for 528 yards but failed to score a touchdown.

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently predicted every NFL team's biggest bust candidate for the 2026 season and identified Pearsall as the 49ers' selection.

"Following the 2026 season, the San Francisco 49ers must decide on the fifth-year option in Ricky Pearsall's contract," Moton wrote. "At this point, they would probably decline it because of his modest production and spotty availability last season."

Moton pointed out that Pearsall failed to capitalize on an opportunity created by Brandon Aiyuk's absence in 2025. Instead of emerging as a top target, Pearsall now enters the 2026 season facing increased competition after the 49ers added veteran wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk and drafted De'Zhaun Stribling.

Some view Evans' arrival as a positive for Pearsall, believing the veteran receiver's presence could draw defensive attention and create more favorable one-on-one opportunities. Moton, however, sees the additions as another obstacle standing in Pearsall's way.

"In his age-33 term, Evans can still command a significant target share," Moton wrote. "Kirk can see notable playing time as an inside-outside receiver. According to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, head coach Kyle Shanahan values Stribling's blocking ability. As a former first-round pick, Pearsall may be underwhelming again this year."

With the 49ers facing a decision on Pearsall's future after the 2026 season, the wide receiver enters training camp with plenty to prove.