Most intriguing position battles for San Francisco 49ers in 2024
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Kick/punt return specialist
Players to watch: Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, Ronnie Bell, Trent Taylor, Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey
Most fans won't get too excited about offseason special teams competition. But, in light of the NFL's new rule changes surrounding kickoff returns, there are inevitably going to be some notable shakeups.
Especially if San Francisco opts to give some of these duties to one of their two most dangerous weapons, Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey, who are more than capable of making plays with the ball in their hands.
The 49ers lost their primary return specialist from the last two years to free agency, wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, which points at the job of returning kicks and punts to being wide open.
Perhaps a rookie like Ricky Pearsall or Jacob Cowing end up landing the role. Or, perhaps at least in the punt-return department, it goes to a second-year pro like Ronnie Bell or a returning veteran in Trent Taylor.
For the latter two, losing the competition could ultimately threaten their hold on a roster spot.