The San Francisco 49ers have a wide receiver dilemma brewing on their hands. While Brandon Aiyuk has a chance to play in Week 1 but could miss the start of the 2025 season, Jauan Jennings wants a new contract or a trade, and Demarcus Robinson is potentially facing a suspension for DUI. Therefore, the 49ers must count on the younger guys to step up, including a former fourth-round pick.
San Francisco 49ers’ young WR had a minimal offensive role in his rookie season
Jacob Cowing had a minimal offensive role in his rookie season, with only five total touches in a measly 106 snaps. He had four receptions on six targets for 80 yards and seven yards on one attempt in 15 games. Cowing also served as the punt return specialist, with 28 punt returns for 245 yards and one kick return for 32 yards.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the wide receiver position, he could play a key role in Year 2.
San Francisco 49ers’ speedster is a breakout candidate by The Athletic
The Athletic had each of its writers who cover an NFL team list their breakout candidates for the 2025 season. Vic Tafur listed Jacob Cowing for the San Francisco 49ers. Tafur points to Cowing gaining weight, training with Brock Purdy, having an impressive offseason, and potentially taking Deebo Samuel’s gadget plays.
“Cowing, the 5-foot-8, second-year player with 4.3 speed who could take a lot of the departed Deebo Samuel’s gadget plays. The 49ers like his toughness, speed and nose for yards after the catch,” Tafur said. “Cowing added more weight in the offseason to his once 168-pound frame to handle sweeps and other running plays, and he joined Pearsall to train with quarterback Brock Purdy in Jacksonville and Arizona. He looked sharp at offseason workouts and, with Brandon Aiyuk still sidelined, could carve out an important role at training camp.”
Jacob Cowing caught the eye of Kyle Shanahan during OTAs
“Jacob, I thought put in some of the most work that anyone did over the offseason,” Shanahan said, via the team’s website. “Just as far as doing it before Phase One started and then continuing it through One, Two, and Three. And I think it’s really transferred over into those OTA practices.”
