The 49ers offense has been a machine under Kyle Shanahan, plain and simple. Last season, they finished sixth in Expected Points Added per play on offense, even with injuries at quarterback and pass-catching positions. But heading into 2026, with training camp on the horizon and a totally revamped receiving corps, there are some serious questions brewing. The pressure is on some key offensive players to make it all click, and the stakes are huge for their season.
The Big Bet on Mike Evans
First up, that free agency investment in Mike Evans? It's gotta pay off. Shanahan's play-calling gives this passing game an extremely high floor, no doubt. But for the aerial attack to reach the heights the 49ers want in 2026, Evans needs to tap back into that Hall of Fame form. The dude is heading into his age-33 season, but he still offers massive upside in the red zone and as a deep threat. The 49ers were already impressive in the red zone last season, so his real impact could be downfield, an area they've kinda lacked over the last two seasons with Brandon Aiyuk mostly on the shelf. Evans isn't a speed demon, but he's a top-tier ball-winner who doesn't need huge separation to make plays deep. Here's the kicker, though: his 2025 season was ruined by injury. So, yeah, some nervousness around having him as the No. 1 receiver is totally understandable given his age and that injury. If Evans struggles with injuries again this year, that receiver depth chart could look shaky real fast. It's imperative he stays healthy and forms a killer rapport with Purdy to elevate this already high-powered offense.Ricky Pearsall's Fight for the Future
Then there's Ricky Pearsall, and his primary task is simple: avoid injuries. You gotta feel for the guy; he couldn't do anything about the awful circumstances that messed up his rookie year. But a second season hindered by a knee injury? That means he's already fighting for his long-term future with the team. That's a tough break, and you know he's feeling that pressure. When he *is* healthy, Pearsall has shown he can consistently win with his route-running, make plays at all three levels, and step up in clutch situations. The talent is there, no doubt about it. But staying on the field is the absolute key for him to prove he belongs and show everyone what he can do. The 49ers have a revamped receiving corps, and a lot hinges on these guys staying healthy and producing. The efficiency is there with Shanahan, but to get to that next level, these two need to step up big time as training camp draws closer.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.