Demarcus Robinson

At 32 years old, Robinson will return for the final year of his two-year contract, likely serving as a depth piece. Historical production drop-off for non-elite WRs accelerates significantly after age 31.

Robinson posted an underwhelming 22-276-1 receiving line across 14 games in the regular season. The 49ers were extremely thin at wide receiver in 2025, yet Robinson still struggled for involvement despite scarcity at the position.

Robinson sits behind Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne, and Jordan Watkins on the depth chart. The 49ers are expected to address WR depth through free agency or the 2026 draft, further limiting Robinson's path to targets.

The 49ers invested pick #33 overall on De'Zhaun Stribling (6'2", 4.36 speed, Ole Miss), a Day 2 WR who profiles as an eventual starter. With Stribling able to play all three receiver spots, he directly competes for whatever limited snaps and targets Robinson currently holds.

Robinson is the WR5/WR6 behind Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling (R2 #33). He faces a legitimate battle just to make the 53-man roster and was named among the veterans most likely to be cut before 2026.

Robinson is widely labeled the 49ers' top cut candidate (Matt Barrows, Bleacher Report) after SF added Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and 2nd-round rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. He sits 5th-6th in the WR room and could be released despite $2M guaranteed.

Robinson was filling in for injured starter Ricky Pearsall (ankle/knee), who was inactive for the ninth time this season. If Pearsall suffers a sustained injury entering 2026, Robinson could inherit meaningful role expansion.

Robinson corralled six of seven targets for 111 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-19 wild-card win over Philadelphia, leading the team in receiving in its playoff win. Pearsall injuries created a temporary opening he exploited.

Robinson is confirmed under contract for the full 2026 season ($2.8M cap hit, option bonus already triggered), meaning preseason release before summer is less likely than his value tier implies — he carries guaranteed money that reduces the purely financial incentive to cut him.

Robinson provides floor value as a reliable veteran who understands Kyle Shanahan's scheme. Could serve as a PPR league depth piece if injuries strike SF's receiver room.