49ers Urged to Address Pass-Catcher Question to Help Brock Purdy

Brock Purdy needs more help from his receivers, and the 49ers must resolve this issue in the offseason.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Francisco 49ers face a tough challenge in the NFC West, competing with the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the 2026 Super Bowl favorites, the Los Angeles Rams. To compete, the 49ers must address their pass-catcher question this offseason. Brock Purdy needs more help from his receivers, and the 49ers must invest heavily in the pass-catching room through free agency and the draft.

Why it matters

The 49ers' pass-catching corps is a major concern heading into the offseason. With the departure of Brandon Aiyuk and the uncertain status of George Kittle due to an Achilles injury, the 49ers lack reliable pass-catching options to support quarterback Brock Purdy. Addressing this issue is crucial for the 49ers to remain competitive in the tough NFC West division.

The details

The 49ers' pass-catching room is in need of significant upgrades. Ricky Pearsall has dealt with injuries, and beyond him and the injury-prone George Kittle, the 49ers lack noteworthy pass-catching options. Jauan Jennings is a free agent, and Brandon Aiyuk is likely off the roster. The 49ers need to sign at least one new wide receiver, either by re-signing Jennings or adding a free agent. They could also use additional depth at tight end, with Jake Tonges as the current backup to Kittle.

  • The 49ers face a tough challenge in the NFC West in the 2026 season.

The players

Brock Purdy

The 49ers' starting quarterback who needs more help from his pass-catchers.

Kyle Shanahan

The 49ers' head coach who will seek new weapons for Purdy in free agency and the draft.

Christian McCaffrey

The 49ers' running back who was heavily utilized as a receiver in 2025.

Ricky Pearsall

A 49ers wide receiver who has dealt with injuries throughout his career.

George Kittle

The 49ers' star tight end who is coming off an Achilles injury and may not be ready to start the season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For as much as Kyle Shanahan relied on Christian McCaffrey as a receiver in 2025, he'll assuredly seek new weapons for Brock Purdy in both free agency and the draft.”

— Bradley Locker, PFF.com writer (PFF.com)

The takeaway

The 49ers' pass-catching corps is a major concern heading into the offseason, and the team must address this issue through free agency and the draft to provide quarterback Brock Purdy with the necessary weapons to compete in the tough NFC West division.