The San Francisco 49ers are trying to shake off what’s left of a disappointing 6-11 campaign in 2024 and the first step took place during the team’s minicamp this week. The past three days have been filled with the usual hyperbole as players get ready to earn their spot on the depth chart or on the roster altogether and it’s a great time for players on the bubble to establish their foundation for success – especially when they’re coming over from another team.
One 49ers addition thought he was walking into a golden opportunity when he signed this spring. But OTAs have proven the position is more crowded than he thought. With spots thin, the chance he thought he was getting may not be there and he could be on thin ice after minicamp comes to a close.
For one new addition, veteran wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, the opportunity to join a storied franchise seemed like a golden ticket. However, just weeks into Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp, Robinson finds himself on thin ice, despite signing a two-year, $8 million contract. The shocking reason? A combination of a crowded receiver room, a three-game suspension, and the pressure to prove himself in a highly competitive environment.
A Promising Signing with High Expectations
When the 49ers signed Demarcus Robinson this offseason, the move was seen as a strategic addition to bolster a receiver room fraught with uncertainty. At 30 years old, Robinson was coming off a career-best season with the Los Angeles Rams in 2024, where he recorded 31 receptions for 505 yards and seven touchdowns. His veteran presence and reliable hands were expected to provide stability to a 49ers receiving corps dealing with questions surrounding key players like Brandon Aiyuk, who has been recovering from injury, and rookie Ricky Pearsall, who is still adjusting to the NFL level. Additionally, other receivers like Sammy Watkins are working to get up to speed, creating an opportunity for Robinson to carve out a significant role.
The $8 million contract signaled the 49ers’ confidence in Robinson’s ability to contribute immediately. On paper, it appeared that only a catastrophic failure could jeopardize his roster spot. Yet, as OTAs and minicamp unfolded, it became clear that Robinson’s path to a prominent role was far more complicated than anticipated.
The Shocking Setback: A Three-Game Suspension
The primary reason Robinson is already on thin ice is a three-game suspension handed down by the NFL due to a DUI arrest in November 2024. This disciplinary action, which was not widely publicized at the offseason’s start, has put Robinson at a significant disadvantage before the regular season even begins. Missing the first three games of the 2025 season means Robinson will be unavailable during a critical period when the 49ers are establishing their offensive rhythm and finalizing their depth chart.
The suspension is particularly damaging because it gives other receivers on the roster—players like Aiyuk, Pearsall, and Watkins—a head start to solidify their roles. By the time Robinson returns in October 2025, Aiyuk is expected to be fully recovered and back in the lineup, while Pearsall and Watkins may have gained enough traction to secure their spots. This leaves Robinson potentially as the fifth receiver on the depth chart, a far cry from the reliable target he was expected to be.
A Crowded Receiver Room Adds to the
The 49ers’ receiver room is more competitive than Robinson likely anticipated when he signed his contract. Brandon Aiyuk, a proven star when healthy, remains the focal point of the passing game. Ricky Pearsall, a first-round draft pick in 2024, is battling for a starting role and brings youthful potential that the 49ers are eager to develop. Sammy Watkins, another veteran, is working to prove he can still contribute, while players like Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel add further depth. With so many options, the 49ers have little room for underperformance, and Robinson’s suspension exacerbates his risk of being overshadowed.
During OTAs, Robinson has reportedly struggled to stand out in a group of talented players all fighting for for targets in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. While his experience and last season’s stats suggest he has the ability to compete, the early absence from games could make it could make it difficult for him to integrate into the team’s game plan. If Pearsall or Watkins seize the opportunity in training camp, Robinson could find himself relegated to a limited role or even facing questions about his long-term fit with the team.
The Importance of Training Camp
For Robinson, the upcoming training camp represents his best chance to reverse this trajectory. A strong performance could remind the 49ers’ coaching staff of why they signed him and ensure he’s viewed as a priority once his suspension ends. His ability to perform in camp will be crucial in proving he can be a reliable target for quarterback Brock Purdy and complement the team’s dynamic offensive scheme. If he excels, the 49ers may design plays to incorporate him immediately upon his return, leveraging his veteran savvy and playmaking ability.
Conversely, a lackluster training camp could solidify his position as a depth player, with the team focusing on younger or more available options. While his contract makes an outright release unlikely, a poor showing could lead to an uncertain future beyond the 2025 season, especially if he fails to contribute meaningfully upon his return.
What’s at Stake for Robinson and the 49ers
For Robinson’s case, the stakes extend beyond just making the roster. At 30, he’s at a point in his career where every opportunity to prove he can still perform at a high level is critical. A diminished role in San Francisco could limit his prospects for future contracts, while a successful season could solidify his value as a veteran leader. For the 49ers, the situation underscores the challenges of managing a roster depth with talent while navigating unexpected setbacks like suspensions and injuries. The team’s ability to integrate Robinson—or move on if necessary—will be a factor in their quest to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season.
Conclusion
Demarcus Robinson’s signing with the San Francisco 49ers was meant to be a fresh start, a chance to shine on a veteran contender. Instead, a three-game suspension, a crowded receiver room, and the pressure of training camps have put him on thin ice just weeks after inking an $8 million deal. While his contract offers some job security, his role on the team remains uncertain. As training camp looms, Robinson faces a defining moment: perform and reclaim his place, or risk fading into the background of a team stacked with talent. For 49ers fans, this serves as a reminder that even the path to roster spots is never guaranteed, no matter the price tag.