The San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver room is going to need an overhaul and immediate improvement. Perhaps the draft will turn up an impactful and instant contributor. Maybe the 49ers will see a jump from Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing? Banking on those two is an incredible risk. Ricky Pearsall isn’t a lock to lead the room either with his injury concerns.
The 49ers will have to mix in draft picks and free agents to fill out the wide receiver room in 2026. It’s fair to expect the 27th pick to be a receiver (Omar Cooper, Jr., please). If that is the case, the first-round pick will need to contribute immediately.
But who is a fit in free agency? Do they fit with the spending constraints that have been imposed? I’ve found a target at receiver. Marquise Brown.
The 28-year-old receiver underwhelmed in Kansas City after signing a one-year, seven-million-dollar deal. Part of Brown’s struggles revolved around an offense that was scuffling all season, an offensive line that failed to protect, and playcalling that was out of sorts.
The former first-round pick would be a plug-and-play receiver with deep play ability. Last season was Brown’s lowest snap count for a full season in his career (551, 49.5% of snaps), and he hauled in 49 catches for 587 yards and five touchdowns.
Once Rashee Rice returned from his suspension, Brown became an afterthought in Kansas City’s offense. Any potential contract for Brown will likely come in barely over five million per season. For a player with that much left in the tank, it is a win-win for the 49ers.
The best place for Brown to change the narrative around his play in the league is in Kyle Shanahan’s system, which is friendly to receivers. Moving the speedy receiver around the formation will lead to advantageous looks for Brock Purdy, the other receivers, and Brown.
A top-three lineup of Pearsall, a draft pick (again, Cooper Jr., please), and Brown would be formidable. All three can play anywhere (inside and outside) and will help the 49ers’ straight drop-back game. Everyone is intrigued by Alec Pierce and others, but the 49ers are likely set up to draft for the future and add veterans to the wide receiver room. Hollywood Brown is a perfect vet addition.
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