Which 49ers’ player needs to rebound in 2026?
It’s not easy, as most are dealing with injuries or circumstances out of their control on the 49ers roster
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 17: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Seattle Seahawks interacts with Malik Mustapha #6 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of an NFL divisional playoff football game at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images The San Francisco 49ers have addressed a couple of pressing needs ahead of the NFL Draft. Free agency isn’t over, but the team has likely made the majority of its signings.
For example, general manager John Lynch did not sound like someone who expects to re-sign Jauan Jennings. Kyle Shanahan sidestepped a question about which players on the roster need to take a step this upcoming season, saying, “I’m not gonna say a name, because I’m not gonna put that pressure on them. ” The 49ers head coach does believe there are young guys on the roster who will “step up.
” In Shanahan’s mind, you get an idea “pretty fast” about which players stand out from the rest: ‘When they come in, you’re like ‘Man, this guy’s a little bit different. ’ And then it’s usually after their first year, second year, when you get an idea of how they’re gonna establish themselves in the league. ” Today, we’ll ask which player on the 49ers roster needs to rebound.
Some answers might include Renardo Green, but Shanahan spoke about his second-year cornerback in a way that makes you believe Green isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. There is a trio of wide receivers entering make-or-break seasons. We’ll ignore them for this exercise.