In his projection, Sheath has the 49ers selecting Arizona State wide receiver Omarion Miller, one year after San Francisco used its top draft pick on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, who has impressed during training camp.
The hope was that Pearsall would finally put together a breakout—and healthy—2026 season after missing 14 games during his first two NFL seasons. A PCL injury hampered the former first-round pick in 2025, and the lingering effects of that injury will force him to undergo season-ending surgery this year.
It's a worst-case scenario for Pearsall, the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the wide receiver unable to play in 2026, it seems increasingly unlikely that the 49ers will exercise the fifth-year option in his rookie contract. That would make the 2027 season a true make-or-break year for the young wideout.
Meanwhile, Miller (6-2, 210) is coming off a productive 2025 campaign in which he recorded 45 catches for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 18 yards per reception.
Miller, who played for Colorado the last three seasons, entered the transfer portal and will play for Arizona State in 2026.
"New England taking Becker would sting for the San Francisco 49ers in this scenario, but Omarion Miller is a strong consolation for a team in need," Sheath wrote. "Ricky Pearsall's path to NFL success continues to narrow with every injury layoff, and it's not as if the team's other skill players are pillars of health either.
"De'Zhaun Stribling's early second-round draft capital didn't stop the 49ers from bringing back Deebo Samuel Sr. after Pearsall's latest injury setback, which is telling. Miller's 6.4 yards after the catch per reception in 2025 suggests he'd be perfect for Kyle Shanahan and a seamless successor to Samuel in the slot."
For now, Pearsall's future with the 49ers remains uncertain. But with another significant injury keeping him off the field in 2026, the pressure will be on the young wide receiver to prove he can stay healthy and establish himself in San Francisco in 2027.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers add protection for Brock Purdy in 3-round 2027 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers could go in several directions in the 2027 NFL Draft, but one analyst believes the team could prioritize protecting quarterback Brock Purdy. San Francisco has generally refrained from investing significant draft capital in offensive linemen, but that... -
Brandon Aiyuk will report to 49ers on Friday after filing for NFL reinstatement
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has reportedly submitted his paperwork for NFL reinstatement and will report to the team's training facility Friday afternoon, according to his new agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Aiyuk is currently on the reserve/left squad list and has... -
Kyle Shanahan reveals what Keenan Allen brings to the 49ers after trade
The San Francisco 49ers made a move just hours before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, acquiring wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts. The trade addresses a significant need for the 49ers, whose wide receiver depth has been depleted by injuries. Key... -
Brandon Aiyuk's agent after 49ers meeting: 'To be continued'
It sounds like the saga between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk won't be resolved today, although that was never expected. The two sides met Friday, and Aiyuk's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, offered a brief update before leaving the team's business offices in...