With Deebo Samuel returning, the San Francisco 49ers have an important depth option at wide receiver who can be moved around as needed. Probably the biggest loser from this signing is Jacob Cowing, and it’s not just because Samuel stole his No. 19 jersey back.
Samuel also figures to steal a good amount of playing time from Cowing. The young third-year player is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season, and even though he reportedly looked good in OTAs, it’s going to be tough for him to beat out Samuel for playing time.
According to general manager John Lynch, Samuel is willing to play wide receiver, running back, and is even willing to help with kick-return duties. That’s another blow to Cowing since he figured to be the guy who would handle kick and punt duties.
It will be an uphill battle, but maybe this will serve as the motivation Cowing needs to make a roster push. This feels like a make-or-break year for him since he's only under contract through 2027. If he doesn’t make an impression soon, then his future with the Niners probably ends after next season.
Deebo Samuel's return jeopardizes Jacob Cowing's future with 49ers
There are just so many guys ahead of Cowing on the depth chart, and he’ll have to contend with both young players and veterans. Obviously, Deebo, Christian Kirk, and Mike Evans have a good chance to be the top three on the depth chart, and Demarcus Robinson is no slouch in his own right. Rookie De’Zhaun Stribling will probably get some action as well, though, so Cowing will have to compete with him.
Sadly, the most realistic way Cowing will get playing time is if there are injuries. Ricky Pearsall is already done for the year, Kirk has been banged up, and Stribling has dealt with injury, too. Evans and Samuel are both injury-prone, so if the depth chart gets decimated, Cowing may get his shot.
Keep in mind last year there was a game in which Robinson and Kendrick Bourne were San Francisco's starting receivers for one game because there were so many injuries, so it wouldn't be a shock if we see the Niners dig deep for wide receiver depth yet again.
Deebo took both Cowing’s number and playing time, but the latter can still impress in training camp and the preseason, and potentially, earn himself some opportunities.
Time is running out, though, and the longer Cowing waits to make an impression, the further he buries himself on the depth chart.
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