What began as a methodical reshaping of the roster, partially driven by looming cap realities, has turned into a full-fledged rebuild at a key skill position. In April, the 49ers traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders as part of a Day 3 pick swap, a deal that reunited Washington’s new GM, Adam Peters, with a player he helped scout in San Francisco. It was a move foreshadowed during draft weekend, but no less significant: Samuel had been a cornerstone of Kyle Shanahan’s offense for half a decade, responsible for some of the team’s most electric postseason moments.

Samuel’s departure cleared cap space and clarified the team’s long-term investment in Brandon Aiyuk, but just weeks later, the 49ers were dealt a crushing blow. During OTAs, Aiyuk reportedly suffered a torn ACL, a season-ending injury that stripped the offense of its most polished route-runner and a receiver coming off a 75-catch, 1,295-yard campaign. The 49ers, within weeks, had lost both of their starting wideouts — and with them, the experience and versatility that had defined their receiver room.

A once-loaded WR corps suddenly appears to be a skeleton crew. This week, the 49ers gave fans something to cheer for. They needed a new spark. A new identity. San Francisco has a new No. 1 who is living up to the hype and not just wearing it. Ricky Pearsall, a second-year wide receiver, will officially wear number one for the 2025 season, according to a social media video released by the 49ers on Tuesday. Although the uniform move may appear to be purely cosmetic, it has significant implications for a team looking to find its next wide receiver alpha.

Pearsall, who wore No. 14 last season, is going back to the number he rocked at Florida instead of the rookie digits. The clear message? Pearsall is being prepared for a leading position. Pearsall entered the league as a first-round pick in 2024, but his rookie season took a difficult turn before it even began — he was shot shortly ahead of Week 1. After recovering, he returned to the field and finished the year with 31 receptions, 400 yards, and three touchdowns across 11 games. According to offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, Pearsall doesn’t just wear the No. 1 jersey — he carries himself like a true No. 1 receiver.

But a shift is indicated by more than just the stats or the jersey. Klay Kubiak, the offensive coordinator, recently fueled the Pearsall fire by stating, “I think Ricky sees himself as a starter… And we wouldn’t want it any other way. That’s just how he is naturally.” Translation? In addition to being the next guy up, Pearsall is also the next man in. The WR room is changing, so this jersey number is more than just a fashion statement. It’s a declaration.

Pearsall played three years at the University of Florida for a total of 38 games. He tallied 147 catches for 2,212 yards and 13 touchdowns, both outside and in the slot. While his draft pick was a decision questioned by some. Shanahan was confident. “He just plays the position real well,” said Shanahan. “I mean, whether he was outside, inside, either receiver, all three of the positions, he can separate down the field, he can separate underneath. He’s got really good hands, extremely smart, very well developed.” Well, the 49ers sure hope the young player who was knocked down prior to his first NFL snap is prepared to run when he takes the field. But while on one end, the 49ers are assigning jersey numbers. On the other hand, they are facing a considerably larger number.

While No. 1 is claimed by Ricky Pearsall, Brock Purdy still isn’t paid

The organisation is in the middle of contract negotiations with Brock Purdy, the former Mr. Irrelevant, who is now the franchise quarterback. However, there hasn’t been any handshake, pen-to-paper, or clarity so far. There is only a great deal of waiting… and a great deal of money at stake. NFL insider Tom Pelissero recently provided a status check. “Are they within the realm of, hey, if they agree to something right now, it could get done quickly? Yeah, but they’re not there just yet.”

The projected amount that’s circulating? Somewhere around $50 million annually. That is in line with Brock Purdy’s purported goal of landing a contract similar to Dak Prescott’s $240 million over five years. And to be honest, the request isn’t out of the ordinary for a man who has already guided his team to the postseason and had consecutive successful seasons.

With 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 65.9% completion rate, 2024 was indeed a step down. However, Purdy was dominating the league with 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and a 69.4% completion rate only a year prior.

Fans are worried about the slow progress, but Pelissero is confident a deal will get done, probably before training camp. The truth is that you don’t simply give Ricky Pearsall the No. 1 jersey and the WR crown until you are certain of who is passing the ball to him. And the focus of the story may change from Pearsall’s number to Purdy’s departure if the 49ers are unable to finalise this trade quickly.