The 2024 season was a personal and professional whirlwind for San Francisco 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall.
An attempted robbery led to a hospitalization from a gunshot wound. While the other 2024 rookie wide receivers were dominating on the field, Pearsall was fighting for his life off of it.
However, a late-season surge including a 140-yard performance on Monday Night Football in week 17 has him as “an underrated year-two wide receiver breakout candidate to keep an eye on in 2025,” according to Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson.
The Case for a Breakout from Ricky Pearsall
Health is first and foremost for Pearsall. He is 24 years old and suffering shoulder and hamstring injuries last year, and the 49ers are “holding him out until training camp to be cautious,” according to SI’s Grant Kohn.
Assuming health, the rest of the stars align for a big 2025 for Pearsall. An off-season that saw “do-it-all weapon” Deebo Samuel get sent to the Washington Commanders should open up targets.
In addition to that, Pro Bowl wide out Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from a torn acl suffered in 2024. According ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, “he’s coming along. I would think he’s ready to play by mid-season.”
Along with an increased target share, Pearsall should be able to build on his chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy. In his Bleacher Report piece, Harmon highlights their synced skillsets.
“Pearsall is an instinctive and nuanced route runner who understands the value of getting open quickly, and his quarterback, Brock Purdy, is a timing-based passer.”
Beyond skillsets, Purdy seems committed to building the on the field rapport with his second year target. “I need a guy I can trust, and this guy wants to get on the same page with me,” he said of Pearsall in March.
Above all, it might be the familiarity with the speed of the game and coach Kyle Shanahan’s system that paves the way for a big 2025. “I’m obviously more comfortable in my environment,” Pearsall said in June.
According to Niners Nation Nicholas Mcgee, “he should be able to combine improved speed of thought with increased physical speed.”
49ers fans know Kyle Shanahan is a big fan. The two time NFC Champion head coach said “I thought it was a huge success for him this year(2024)” in January.
The Potential to Stay Stagnant
Growth in the NFL for young players is rarely linear. Coaching changes, injuries and change of offensive personnel can create setbacks for players.
For Pearsall, even with the departures and injuries, the depth chart is still crowded.
PFF’s Nathan Jahnke claims “There is also a chance Pearsall and Jennings could swap in three-receiver sets.” He cites the addition of veteran Demarcus Robinson to the locker room as a potential hurdle.
The aforementioned Shanahan’s successful run scheme could also put a cap on his production. While San Francisco ranked 14th in the league in rushing attempts, much of the season was played without Christian McCaffrey. A return to health and form for the superstar running back could see the 49ers lean on him.
However, assuming good health, the potential for a breakout role far exceeds the likelihood Pearsall returns to mid 2024 form. Parson states, “there will be more onus placed on Pearsall to step in early and be an impact player.”
