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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Players Entering a Make-or-Break Season in 2016

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive back Phillip Adams (20) intercepts the ball against San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerome Simpson (14) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive back Phillip Adams (20) intercepts the ball against San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerome Simpson (14) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 9: Wide Receiver Jerome Simpson

Like cornerback Keith Reaser, wide receiver Jerome Simpson has one thing going for him over a widely youthful group — NFL experience.

Simpson, a seven-year veteran, only saw five games with the 49ers last season. This was due to his NFL-mandated suspension for off-the-field incidents — issues which forced his release from the Minnesota Vikings after the 2013 season.

After missing all of 2014, Simpson was hardly a factor in the Niners offense last year. He totaled a mere five receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown.

Even after the 49ers elected not to re-sign veteran wideout, and perennial team reception leader, Anquan Boldin, Simpson doesn’t look to be in a good position to make the roster this year.

San Francisco added rookie wideouts Aaron Burbridge, Devon Cajuste and Bryce Treggs via the draft and as undrafted free agents, respectively. The entire receiving corps, as a whole, is young and developing.

On the other hand, Simpson is 30 years old and hardly fits the mold of a youth movement.

Should he manage to find his way onto the roster, there still isn’t any guarantee he’ll stay. The Niners want to get younger here. And failing to contribute could easily mean Simpson is off the team in 2017 — if not earlier — and might see his NFL career come to a close if he can’t find a spot elsewhere.

Next: No. 8: CB Tramaine Brock