Davenport recently identified eight under-the-radar NFL players poised for major roles this season, and 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk made the list.
San Francisco signed Kirk to a one-year, $3 million deal this offseason, adding another experienced weapon to head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. While Evans is expected to occupy one starting spot, Ricky Pearsall will likely be given every opportunity to earn the role opposite him.
The 49ers also used their top draft pick on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, an intriguing rookie with the potential to carve out a meaningful role as the season progresses.
"There was a time when Christian Kirk was anything but under the radar—in 2022, the ninth-year veteran topped 80 catches and 1,100 receiving yards and scored eight times," Davenport wrote.
"Three injury-marred seasons later, though, he now finds himself on his third team in as many seasons and trying to resurrect his career after signing with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency."
Kirk is excited about the opportunity to play in Shanahan's offense and hopes to prove he can still be a productive contributor. However, targets won't come easy in an attack that also features stars such as Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle.
There are also lingering questions surrounding the 49ers' receiving corps. Pearsall is still looking to establish himself as a consistent impact player after injuries slowed his development last season, while Kittle is working his way back from an Achilles injury.
"The passing attack for the 49ers contains a whole lot of 'maybes' in 2026—Kirk included," Davenport added. "But if the 29-year-old can stay healthy, Kirk should see 100-plus targets for the first time since that career season with the Jacksonville Jaguars."
Kirk could emerge as a reliable target for quarterback Brock Purdy, providing valuable veteran depth.
Over eight NFL seasons, Kirk has recorded 432 receptions for 5,415 yards and 30 touchdowns across 106 games (80 starts).
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