Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers signed free agent wide receiver Demarcus Robinson away from the rival Los Angeles Rams in the early stages of the 2025 offseason with the thought that he could replicate his comeback season. However, he's already proving to be a bit of a headache.
The 49ers made this move just a few months after Robinson was charged with driving under the influence in November. Robinson was reportedly driving over 100 miles per hour while showing signs of impairment, which could lead to a suspension from the league hurting his availability.
According to Matt Maiocco, the NFL will be expected to suspend Robinson for three games as a result of his DUI, though no official statement has yet been made. If Maiocco's prediction becomes true, Robinson's time with Shanahan and the 49ers may have gotten off on as bad a foot as one could imagine.
49ers WR Demarcus Robinson expected to be suspended for three games
The 49ers' base offense will feature Brandon Aiyuk as the No. 1 receiver following an injury-riddled campaign, 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall emerging as the secondary wideout target, and the reliable Jauan Jennings provided his usual blend of chain-moving behind them.
Robinson, who caught 31 passes for 505 yards and a career-best seven touchdowns, is expected to bring an element of size and physicality to a receiver room that is lacking it outside of Jennings. After starting all 17 games last season, Robinson just lost all the momentum he picked up during a tremendous season with the Rams.
While Robinson will likely play a role in the offense when he returns from suspension, he will likely be about the sixth-most important pass-catcher in this offense. As the WR4 in this scheme, all while competing with George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey for targets, Robinson's opportunity is starting to shrink.
Robinson may end up proving Shanahan and John Lynch right for taking a chance on him, but it's never good when the first thing you could do for a new organization is to get suspended for three games in a year some are deeming make-or-break.
