The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with a lot right now. While their quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey are ready to go, the wide receivers, not so much. However, in the midst of it all, they might have found a special use for a new player to shine.
While the first receiving option, Brandon Aiyuk, is still recovering from a knee surgery, the second one is Jauan Jennings. He is in the middle of a contract dispute. Hence, Brock Purdy has a cloud of uncertainty over his weapons.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, Jacob Cowing can get an upgrade in his role within the team. Cowing is an athlete and according to the report, he “could take a lot of the departed Deebo Samuel’s gadget plays.” Samuel worked as a unicorn, aligning everywhere on the field, and Cowing might fit that role.
Jacob Cowing has the tools to be a dangerous player
Cowing recorded a 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash. Also, he reportedly added weight for this season, making him stronger. During his college career, Cowing was stellar, posting collegiate career numbers of 316 receptions, 4,477 yards and 33 touchdowns. He also averaged 6.3 yards after the catch, something Deebo Samuel excelled at.
Jacob Cowing #19 of the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 47-24.
Entering his second year, Cowing spent most of his rookie season on special teams. As a receiver, he had 4 catches in 6 targets for 80 yards. He returned 28 punts for 245 yards. Now, he could be increasing his offensive snaps in a massive way.
see also
Not Brock Purdy: 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk names the best player in the NFL
Kyle Shanahan can make anyone dangerous
Kyle Shanahan does love having a Christian McCaffrey on his team. He also knows how to make no-name players productive. Names like Jordan Mason, Isaac Guerendo, Elijah Mitchell, and many more have made their names known thanks to Shanahan’s schemes.
If there is a guy in the NFL that could just develop stars out of the blue, it’s Shanahan. His playbook is so deep and so filled with pre-snap motion, that he can open up wholes in pretty much any defense in the league. If there is something that Shanahan loves, is speed. Running a 4.3 makes Cowing a perfect candidate.
