There is also uncertainty surrounding the rest of the group. Brandon Aiyuk appears to be on his way out, while Jauan Jennings remains on the open market.
Even if the 49ers make additional wide receiver moves in free agency, the position remains a likely focus in the 2026 NFL Draft. San Francisco holds six selections and could use one on a receiver—possibly as early as the first round.
In a recent feature for Pro Football Focus (PFF), analyst Dalton Wasserman identified prospects who became "perfect fits" for teams following the first wave of free agency. For the 49ers, Wasserman pointed to former Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
"49ers wide receivers ranked 23rd in PFF receiving grade as a unit in 2025," Wasserman wrote. "The more shocking part is that, despite playing in Kyle Shanahan's offense, they ranked 28th in yards after catch per reception and forced just 21 missed tackles all year, postseason included. The bulk of the work in those two categories came from Jennings, so the 49ers still need to find a way to improve after the catch."
Cooper (6-0, 199) could emerge as a potential first-round target for San Francisco. According to analyst Ryan Fowler, the 49ers are scheduled to host the receiver on one of their 30 permitted pre-draft visits in Santa Clara.
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Wasserman noted that Cooper took a major step forward in 2025, particularly in production after the catch.
"A move to the slot facilitated better opportunities for Cooper, who racked up 494 yards after the catch in 2025, the 16th most in the FBS," Wasserman wrote. "His 27 missed tackles forced this past season were tied for the fourth most in the nation and were the most of any wide receiver in this year's draft class."
Cooper posted career-best marks in 2025 with an 87.4 offensive grade and 86.0 receiving grade from PFF. Over the past two seasons, he averaged 7.3 yards after the catch per reception.
In 2025, Cooper recorded 69 receptions for 937 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns. He finished his collegiate career with 115 receptions for 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference.
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