How Pearsall benefits from Aiyuk, Jennings not in 49ers practices originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA – Rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, a first-round pick by the 49ers, joined the team in the recent draft with three veterans ahead of him on the depth chart.
But at the opening of organized team activities this week, Pearsall found himself a few places higher.
Pearsall is getting the benefit of additional practice reps alongside quarterback Brock Purdy, with Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings out on the practice field.
“I always think the more reps you get, the more experience you get, the more different situations you can face, if you’re talented enough and done with the right things, you’re only going to get better,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. . he said on Tuesday.
“But sometimes it’s difficult to generate that, especially in practice when the speed isn’t maximum all the time. The more reps you can get always helps.
Aiyuk and Jennings have not participated in the 49ers’ voluntary offseason program due to contract issues.
Aiyuk is scheduled to play this season on a fifth-year option with a scheduled salary of $14.1 million. The sides are working towards a contract extension one would expect this to place Aiyuk among the best wide receivers in the NFL. Aiyuk was the subject of trade speculation last month around the time of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jennings was a restricted free agent this offseason and the 49ers offered him at the second-round level in one season for $4.89 million. The deadline for other teams to sign an offer sheet for Jennings has passed, so Jennings no longer has the ability to negotiate with other teams.
Jennings has not yet signed his contract with the 49ers and is likely seeking a multi-year contract extension.
When asked about Jennings’ status, Shanahan kept his answer purposefully vague.
“It’s voluntary. [workouts]so there is no status yet,” Shanahan said.
Jennings caught just 19 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown in 13 games last season, so the door is open for Pearsall to replace him as the 49ers’ third receiver.
Jennings finished his season strong with a big game in the 49ers’ 25–22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. Jennings caught four passes for 42 yards and a touchdown and also threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back Christian McCaffrey.
