On a team with as many stars as the San Francisco 49ers, sometimes it’s hard to stand out among the pack. However, third-year receiver Jacob Cowing is a name ESPN’s Nick Wagoner noted has been a surprise so far at 49ers’ offseason team activities (OTAs). So much so that he’s even been noticed by some of the newest stars on the team.
Much like in 2025, Cowing had a strong offseason program, consistently making big plays down the field in team drills and 7-on-7.
Cowing was unable to capitalize on a strong spring last year as a series of hamstring injuries kept him out all season. If he can stay healthy, he should have a chance to carve out a role as a returner with some opportunities in the passing game.
Cowing, selected No. 135 overall in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, showed flashes during his rookie year, catching four passes for 30 yards before a lost 2025 season derailed his development. A series of hamstring injuries kept him off the field entirely, preventing him from building on a promising first offseason program that generated similar attention.
Now healthy and back at full speed, Cowing appears to be picking up right where that momentum left off. And head coach Kyle Shanahan shouted him out ahead of OTAs in late May.
The 49ers have plenty of depth at receiver, meaning Cowing isn’t walking into a featured role. But his blend of speed and quickness gives him a legitimate path to contributing, particularly in the return game where his explosiveness translates naturally.
The caveat, of course, is staying healthy. Hamstring issues derailed what could have been a breakout 2025, and durability will be the deciding factor in whether he can convert this spring momentum into regular-season production.
If he does, the 49ers may have found a useful chess piece hiding in plain sight.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Under-utilized WR named biggest surprise at 49ers OTAs
Reporting by Oliver G., Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Oliver G., Niners Wire | USA TODAY Network
