Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Ricky Pearsall may now be the San Francisco 49ers’ top wide receiver, despite dealing with injuries this season. With the futures of Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk uncertain, Pearsall could become quarterback Brock Purdy‘s primary target moving forward.
Jennings is in the final year of his contract, and the 49ers and Jennings may not be aligned on his perceived value.
Meanwhile, Aiyuk’s situation has drawn significant attention. Hopes were high that he would return this season and continue contributing in 2026 and beyond. However, a report from The Athletic on Friday revealed that the 49ers voided Aiyuk’s guaranteed money for next season, signaling a likely split.
“It takes a lot of things to get a contract voided,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Saturday. “Honestly, I’ve never dealt with that in my career or been in any building that’s had that. So it was unusual, but that’s stuff that I can’t get into right now.”
While Shanahan declined to discuss the details behind the decision to void a large portion of Aiyuk’s 2026 salary, he stressed that he remains hopeful the veteran receiver can return to the field this season.
Pearsall, who was previously teammates with Aiyuk at Arizona State in 2019, also spoke to reporters Saturday. He noted that their close relationship doesn’t usually involve NFL business discussions.
“I try not to stick my nose in other people’s business like that,” Pearsall said in the 49ers locker room. “I just focus on what’s going on with me and my business. I got all the love in the world for B.A. Me and B.A. go way back to ASU days, 2019, so how I feel about him, specifically, it’ll never change for him.
“He’s been a huge part of my journey. He was the first receiver, I’d say, that showed me the routes of what an NFL receiver looks like, back in 2019, and even to this day, watching film from a [wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson] and stuff like that, showing how to run routes.
“I’ve got all the love for B.A., but I try not to stick my nose in that kind of business.”
Outside the building, Pearsall said he and Aiyuk rarely talk football. Their recent communication has focused on Aiyuk’s recovery from last season’s ACL and MCL injuries and his overall health—both physical and mental.
“I reach out to him as much as I can, check on him,” Pearsall said. “Sometimes, when you’re in this business like this, you’re always busy. He’s busy doing his thing. So, sometimes, you’re not communicating every single day like you would like to, to check on people like that. But when I can, when he pops in my head, and I think of him, I’ll reach out to him.”
Tackle Trent Williams also shared his feelings about Aiyuk but avoided commenting on the player’s situation with the 49ers.
“I’m going to just say this: I love B like a brother,” Williams said. “I’m not going to comment on his situation. It’s between him and the 49ers. So, I’m just going to let that be what it is.”
Williams confirmed he continues to stay in touch with Aiyuk but did not provide further details regarding the receiver’s status.
Quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall returned to action on Sunday, both coming off injuries. Purdy has been sidelined since Week 4 due to a turf toe aggravation, while Pearsall has not played since the same week because of a PCL injury.
Both players appear…
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall returned to action Sunday for the first time since suffering a PCL injury in Week 4. Against the Arizona Cardinals, the second-year wideout was targeted twice, finishing with one catch for zero yards.
It wasn’t the explosive…
The San Francisco 49ers received a positive sign this week as wide receiver Ricky Pearsall returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a knee injury in Week 4. While the team could have placed the second-year wideout on injured reserve, they opted…
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday, confirming an earlier report from Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area that Brock Purdy will start against the Arizona Cardinals.
Purdy has not played since Week 4, when he aggravated…