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CJ West  • DL  •  49ers

C.J. West Signs Rookie Deal with San Fran

Per the team, the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms with fourth-round rookie defensive lineman C.J. West on a four-year, $5.2 million contract. The 23-year-old was a three-year collegiate starter who culminated his time in the NCAA with the Indiana Hoosiers in 2024 after four campaigns with Kent State. West is a three-technique defensive tackle with good athleticism for his size (6-foot-1, 316 pounds), though he lacks length for the position. Currently, he's listed second (unofficially) on the team's depth chart behind teammate Kevin Givens, and figures to play a rotational role behind him if he displays confidence in camp. While his numbers in college were nothing to write home about, his blend of agility and strength could make him a sneaky standout on the team's defensive front, considering the presence of superstar pass-rusher Nick Bosa.
4 days ago   
Brandon Aiyuk  • WR  •  49ers

Brandon Aiyuk Making Good Progress From Knee Injury

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on the Pat McAfee Show this week that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is making great progress in his rehab from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee that he suffered last October. "Brandon is doing a tremendous job coming back. It's kind of incredible how well he's healing, and he's putting in the work," Lynch said. Lynch continued to stress that Aiyuk is still an important part of the team going forward, although he's probably not going to be able to make his 2025 debut until around midseason. After a contract dispute last summer, the 27-year-old caught just 25 passes for 374 yards and no touchdowns before his season-ending knee injury seven games into the season. When he returns, he'll battle for targets with George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall. There are a lot of question marks surrounding Aiyuk going into 2025.
6 days ago   
Christian McCaffrey  • RB  •  49ers

Christian McCaffrey Takes Part in Mandatory Minicamp

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) was one of the few high-profile veterans who took part in 11-on-11 situations during offseason workouts in recent weeks, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows. McCaffrey wanted to test himself after last year's injury-plagued season in which he dealt with Achilles and knee injuries that limited him to just four games played. "I wanted to put myself in a position where I didn't miss a day of OTAs and I could practice and play football again and be healthy again and not miss a day. And I did that. And now we can kind of kick back up to training again," McCaffrey said. After being the biggest fantasy bust in 2024, CMC has dropped to the RB6 in RotoBaller's 2025 fantasy rankings at the position. He's once again a risk/reward pick, having played fewer than eight games in three of the last five seasons.
7 days ago   
Jordan Watkins  • WR  •  49ers

Jordan Watkins has Been Standing Out

San Francisco 49ers rookie fourth-round wide receiver Jordan Watkins hasn't been perfect in offseason workouts this spring, but The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that he has stood out in the way that Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) did a year ago. He took a number of snaps with the first-team offense with Pearsall, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf) sidelined, showcasing his speed and fluidity in routes. Watkins doesn't break stride when catching the ball, which makes him an asset on crossing routes that are such a big part of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. The 23-year-old also has thick legs and a big lower body, which should help him break tackles and pick up yards after the catch. Watkins had nine total touchdowns at Ole Miss in 2024, and while he probably won't get on the field much in his rookie season, he could be an immediate factor on special teams.
7 days ago   
Jacob Cowing  • WR  •  49ers

Jacob Cowing on the Rise

The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that one of the themes among coaches and players this spring was that nobody took better advantage of the offseason than San Francisco 49ers second-year wide receiver Jacob Cowing. The 24-year-old was selected 135th overall (fourth round) last year but had a minimal role, catching just four passes for 80 yards in 15 games (zero starts). However, he trained with quarterback Brock Purdy and receiver Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) early in the offseason and had a prominent role during spring practices. It helped that Pearsall, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf) were sidelined, but it's notable nonetheless. Cowing has great speed and is doing a better job of maintaining it throughout his cuts and breaks. He's good with the ball in his hands and could be a nice little gadget player in 2025, although it's unlikely to amount to much fantasy value.
7 days ago   
Demarcus Robinson  • WR  •  49ers

Demarcus Robinson a Frequent Target This Spring

It sounds like San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson took advantage of Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) sitting out of offseason workouts this spring. The 30-year-old filled in nicely as the reliable veteran, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows. Robinson isn't flashy but is well-versed in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense after spending the last two years with the Los Angeles Rams, which made him a frequent and trusted target for quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Mac Jones during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The former fourth-rounder (126th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016 out of Florida is basically an insurance policy for Aiyuk this year. While he's getting extra reps now with three starting wideouts sidelined, Robinson isn't likely to see the field enough during the regular season as long as Jennings and Pearsall are ready for Week 1.
7 days ago   
Dee Winters  • LB  •  49ers

Dee Winters has Been Impressive This Spring

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said that linebacker Dee Winters has "been impressive" this spring during offseason workouts. The Niners sent a message to Winters in April by taking weakside linebacker Nick Martin in the third round. Winters has looked more confident and aggressive than in previous years, both on run defense and in the passing game, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows. He's now heading into the summer with momentum, but the 24-year-old will still have to hold off Martin in training camp. "I don't want to jinx him or anything, but if he stays on his trajectory and he attacks these next 40 days and he does things the right way, I think he's due for a heck of a season," Saleh said. The former sixth-rounder started 10 of 15 games in his second season in 2024 and compiled 44 tackles (26 solo) and four pass breakups for the 49ers.
7 days ago   
Jauan Jennings  • WR  •  49ers

Jauan Jennings Expected to be Ready for Training Camp

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that wide receiver Jauan Jennings (calf), who isn't practicing during mandatory minicamp this week, is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. The Niners are playing it safe with Jennings and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) not expected to be ready until around midseason. Barring a setback with his calf in training camp, Jennings could be the team's WR1 to open the 2025 season with Aiyuk sidelined. The 27-year-old had a career year in 2024 with 77 receptions on 113 targets for 975 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games (10 starts) with Aiyuk suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 7. Jennings should at least have a bigger role again early on in 2025, but he could be the No. 3 target for quarterback Brock Purdy behind tight end George Kittle and second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall (hamstring).
Jun 11   
Brandon Aiyuk  • WR  •  49ers

Brandon Aiyuk Likely to be Placed on PUP List

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is likely to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list for training camp in late July as he continues his recovery from his ACL surgery, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Aiyuk also injured his MCL in Week 7 and missed the rest of the 2024 campaign. After holding out in training camp last year, the 27-year-old was a major disappointment for fantasy managers before his injury, as he caught just 25 of 47 targets for 374 yards and no touchdowns a year after posting a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. The 27-year-old former first-rounder isn't expected to be ready in 2025 until around midseason, so it's not much of a surprise that he'll land on the PUP for camp. With Aiyuk out, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) and Demarcus Robinson are expected to start in three-wide sets.
Jun 11   
Ricky Pearsall  • WR  •  49ers

49ers Being Cautious With Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) was healthy to take part in mandatory minicamp this week, but the team is being careful with him and want him to be ready for training camp in late July. It makes sense for the Niners to play it safe with the former first-rounder since fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk (knee) likely won't be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season. If the 24-year-old can return in training camp and develop chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy, he'll have plenty of opportunity as a starter in three-wide sets in his sophomore season in the NFL. Pearsall missed the first six games of his rookie season after being shot in the chest, but he was more involved late in the year with Aiyuk out. If healthy, he should make much more noise in 2025. RotoBaller has Pearsall ranked as the No. 45 fantasy wideout.
Jun 11   
Isaac Guerendo  • RB  •  49ers

Isaac Guerendo Taking Part in OTAs

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (ankle, knee) has been taking part in voluntary organized team activities this spring after injuring his MCL and spraining his ankle in the Week 18 regular-season finale last year. Guerendo, a fourth-round pick (129th overall) in 2024, should be a full-go for the start of mandatory minicamp on June 10. All-Pro Christian McCaffrey (knee) is also back and ready to roll after missing the majority of the 2024 campaign, so Guerendo will enter the 2025 season as the backup, but Jordan Mason was traded to the Minnesota Vikings and Elijah Mitchell left in free agency. The 24-year-old Guerendo had 5.0 yards per carry on his 84 rushing attempts last year for 420 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (three starts), adding 15 catches for 152 yards through the air. Consider him a high-upside handcuff behind the injury-prone CMC.
Jun 6   
Trent Taylor  • WR  •  49ers

49ers Place Trent Taylor on Injured Reserve

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Tuesday that they placed wide receiver Trent Taylor (undisclosed) on Injured Reserve and signed receiver Malik Knowles to an undisclosed one-year deal in a corresponding move. It's unclear exactly what Taylor's injury is, but he's now expected to miss the entire 2025 season. The 31-year-old former fifth-round pick (177th overall) in 2017 out of Louisiana Tech spent the first three years of his career in the Bay Area before going to the Cincinnati Bengals for two years and the Chicago Bears in 2023. In just two games in his return to the Niners last season, Taylor caught his only target for an 11-yard pickup. Taylor has been a depth piece in his career and has a total of 88 receptions for 845 yards and only three touchdowns on 138 targets over 80 games played (three starts) since debuting in 2017.
Jun 4   
Brandon Aiyuk  • WR  •  49ers

49ers Optimistic About Brandon Aiyuk's Recovery

There is still no official timeline for San Francisco 49ers Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) return in 2025, but general manager John Lynch expressed some optimism regarding his recovery from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee that he suffered last October. "Brandon's tracking in a good way with his knee, and you've just got to kind of let that play out," Lynch said. "We're not going to put him out there until he's ready, but we're excited with our receiver group and where we're at." Aiyuk will most likely not be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, but if he continues to make strides in his rehab, he could return sooner than later. Regardless, the 27-year-old's fantasy stock has taken a big hit after he caught just 25 passes for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games before his season-ending injury last year. Until Aiyuk is able to return, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) will be the team's top wideouts.
May 30   
Chazz Surratt  • LB  •  49ers

Chazz Surratt Signs with San Francisco

According to the team, the San Francisco 49ers have signed free-agent inside linebacker Chazz Surratt to an undisclosed contract. Linebacker DaShaun White was waived in a corresponding move. Surratt was a former third-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings back in 2021, but he spent just one season with the team before finding his way to the New York Jets roster. He'd occupied a spot there over the prior three seasons. In 41 career games (five starts), the North Carolina product has notched 19 tackles, with all but one coming in 17 2024 appearances. He figures to spend most of his time as a rotational piece behind incumbent starter Fred Warner, and will likely be a member of their special teams unit as well.
May 30   
Ricky Pearsall  • WR  •  49ers

Hamstring Injury Likely to Keep Ricky Pearsall Out Until Training Camp

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring injury and likely won't return to practice until training camp at the end of July, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. It doesn't sound like it's a serious injury for Pearsall, the but Niners won't take any chances with last year's first-rounder after he also dealt with hammy issues going into his rookie season in 2024. The 24-year-old pass-catcher then suffered a gunshot wound to his chest and didn't make his NFL debut until Week 7. He's expected to have a key role in the offense in his sophomore season with Deebo Samuel Sr. no longer in town and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, but Pearsall is going to lose valuable reps this offseason to gain chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy. Pearsall could still be ready for Week 1, but this news doesn't do anything to dispel the notion that Pearsall is injury-prone.
May 29   
Jacob Cowing  • WR  •  49ers

Jacob Cowing Adds Weight, Could Have Bigger Role

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently said he was impressed that wide receiver Jacob Cowing, who weighed 168 pounds at last year's scouting combine, added more weight in the offseason. Cowing also trained with quarterback Brock Purdy in Jacksonville and Arizona this offseason, signaling he wasn't happy with a 2024 rookie season in which he was used sparingly on offense. The 24-year-old only caught four passes last year, but The Athletic's Matt Barrows thinks he should be an asset on quick-hitters and jet sweeps that went to Deebo Samuel Sr. in recent years. The former fourth-rounder (135th overall) out of Arizona could have a bigger role early in the 2025 season with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) rehabbing an injury and Demarcus Robinson facing a potential suspension, but for now, Cowing will just be one to keep an eye on during training camp.
May 28   
Mykel Williams  • DL  •  49ers

Mykel Williams Should Make Immediate Impact

San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive end Mykel Williams shouldn't have trouble finding playing time early in his career and should be an immediate asset in run defense due to his exceptional power, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows. The 49ers have their three best edge rushers in Williams, Nick Bosa and Yetur Gross-Matos in the Kyle Shanahan-John Lynch era. The question is how good of a pass-rusher Williams can become, as he mostly won via sheer strength in college. How quickly Williams is able to incorporate finesse moves and creativity with his pass rush will determine whether he's solid or exceptional in his first season in the NFL. San Fran took the Georgia product with the 11th overall pick in this year's draft. He won't turn 21 until June 29. Williams has the skills to be a very good pass-rusher for the Niners in the long term.
May 28   
Ricky Pearsall  • WR  •  49ers

Ricky Pearsall Could be in Line for Breakout Season

The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall could be best positioned for a breakout season in 2025. Pearsall met up with quarterback Brock Purdy to work with him this offseason after missing six games as a rookie last year after being shot on Aug. 31. He also missed most of training camp with hamstring and shoulder injuries. Brandon Aiyuk (knee) could miss the start of the 2025 regular season, while Demarcus Robinson could be suspended due to a DUI incident in November. The Niners still have Jauan Jennings, but Pearsall, who excels against press coverage, would also have a big role in the passing attack. Pearsall had a 141-yard outing in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions last year and could be on the rise if his chemistry with Purdy has improved. The 24-year-old should be a top-three wideout for San Fran this year.
May 28   
Thomas Morstead  • P  •  49ers

49ers Sign Thomas Morstead

The San Francisco 49ers have signed punter Thomas Morstead, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Morstead, a 16-year NFL veteran and former Pro Bowler, had been released by the New York Jets back in March. He averaged 48.2 yards per punt with the Jets, and he's only had one punt blocked through 255 career games. This signing could indicate that the 49ers aren't committed to Mitch Wishnowsky, who missed eight games due to injury last year and is coming off the worst season of his career.
May 28   
Jake Moody  • K  •  49ers

Jake Moody Changes Kicking Approach

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody struggled last year after returning from a high-ankle sprain. The former third-rounder changed his approach this offseason from taking three steps before a kick to just two, according to The Athletic's Vic Tafur. Because Moody missed nine of 20 field-goal attempts in the last nine games, forcing the Niners to bring in veteran kicker Greg Joseph to give Moody competition this year. Before getting injured last year, the 25-year-old made 13 of his first 14 field-goal tries before spraining his ankle in a Week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals when he tried to make a tackle on a kickoff. He missed the next three games and wasn't the same when he returned. Moody is now fully healthy and likes the way he's kicking the ball this offseason, so he'll be a bounce-back candidate as a starting fantasy kicker in 2025.
May 27   
LEGEND
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