The San Francisco 49ers are hoping they can get a big step forward from their second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in 2025.
Former Niners tight end Brent Jones likened Pearsall to Los Angeles Rams star receiver Puka Nacua in a recent interview.
In the interview, Guy Haberman drew a comparison between the car crash Jones was involved in prior to his rookie season in the NFL and the shooting Pearsall was involved in prior to his rookie season last year:
49ers Legend Brent Jones on Ricky Pearsall:
"Do not sleep on this guy. Maybe not the amount of catches, but I think he's gonna be Puka Nacua-like at some point."
🎥: @GuyHaberman pic.twitter.com/RJyes9ok4f
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) July 2, 2025
Jones agreed with the comparison while also acknowledging the severity of Pearsall's injury and how there was a difference between the two incidents.
He went on to credit Pearsall for his strong finish to the season when it was clear that he was getting more comfortable and gaining more confidence on the field. Pearsall's overall numbers from his rookie season were strong especially considering he missed the early part of the season after being shot in an attempted robbery the previous August.
In 11 games, he hauled in 31 catched for 400 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The former Florida Gator saved his best football for last as he had a great Week 17 performance against the Detroit Lions, hauling in eight passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. He followed that up with a strong Week 18 showing against the Cardinals with 69 receiving yards and another touchdown.
Jones expects Pearsall to be a big contributor in 2025 for the Niners, saying, "Do not sleep on this guy. Maybe not the amount of catches, but I think he's gonna be Puka Nacua-like at some point."
That is an interesting comparison to make between the two players.
Nacua has established himself as a great wide receiver for the L.A. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie season, and last year, he had 990 receiving yards in just 11 games.
If Pearsall could follow in his footsteps and turn himself into a reliable and shifty wide receiver in the mold of Nacua, that could completely transform San Francisco's offense. With Deebo Samuel being traded away, Pearsall has an opportunity to do just that.
Unfortunately, Pearsall has dealt with some injuries this year as well as he was held out of the offseason program with a hamstring issue. It seems this was just precautionary, so the hope is he will be ready to go for training camp.
Pearsall has talked about how he was motivated by Brock Purdy's big contract extension, so he seems ready to get back at it and build upon the positive signs he showed last season.
If Jones is right, and Pearsall does develop into a player of Nacua's caliber, that could go a long way towards helping San Francisco get back to the playoffs in 2025.
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