Ricky Pearsall wasn't the best player available when the 49ers drafted him with the second-to-last pick in Round 1 this year, nor did he fill a need. The 49ers drafted Pearsall for financial reasons.
wasn't the best player available when the 49ers drafted him with the second-to-last pick in Round 1 this year, nor did he fill a need.Let's say the 49ers had traded down a few spots and taken Pearsall early in Round 2. No one would have criticized that move. And it would have saved the 49ers a couple million dollars over the life of his rookie contract.
But if the 49ers had drafted Pearsall in Round 2 and he went on to become a quality starting wide receiver, he'd be cost effective for only four years. In the fifth year, they'd have to extend his contract or franchise tag him, and either option is extremely expensive. But they didn't draft Pearsall in Round 2. Instead, they reached for him in Round 1 which will save them money down the line because they won't have to franchise tag him after Year 4. Instead, they can pick up his fifth-year option, which will be a bargain compared to the franchise tag because he's a late-first-round pick.
The 49ers understand that wide receiver salaries are exploding and they won't be able to afford them once Brock Purdy is one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. So they need young wide receivers on rookie deals for as long as possible. Which means they desperately want that fifth-year option. In a financial sense, the pick made complete sense. But now Pearsall has to deal with the pressure and the scrutiny of being a first-round pick when his talent doesn't merit the selection. We'll see what happens.Grant Cohn has covered the San Francisco 49ers daily since 2011.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2024 NFL Draft: 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall has huge chance after Brandon Aiyuk requestWhile his rookie production wasn't expected to be massive, 2024 NFL Draft first rounder Ricky Pearsall may now get a bigger opportunity with the 49ers following the trade request of Brandon Aiyuk.
Read more »
49ers Four Questions: Brandon Aiyuk Asks Out, Ricky Pearsall HurtBrandon Aiyuk has requested a trade, Ricky Pearsall is on the non-football injury list, it’s always something with the 49ers.
Read more »
Does Brandon Aiyuk Gain Leverage on the 49ers From Ricky Pearsall's Injury?Brandon Aiyuk may have picked the perfect time to demand a trade from the 49ers after it was revealed on the same day that rookie Ricky Pearsall was placed on the Non-football injury list.
Read more »
Ricky Pearsall to Miss out on Great Opportunity at 49ers Training CampRicky Pearsall sustaining an injury now is extremely unfortunate since he will miss a great opportunity when the 49ers open up training camp. Here is why.
Read more »
PFF: Drafting Ricky Pearsall was the 49ers' Best Move of the OffseasonWhen the 49ers drafted Pearsall, most analysts criticized the move because he doesn't fix a weakness or make the team better now. Pro Football Focus loved the pick, though.
Read more »
The 49ers Place Ricky Pearsall on the Non-Football Injury ListThis is extremely puzzling. The 49ers have placed rookie first-round pick Ricky Pearsall on the Non-Football Injury List for undisclosed reasons.
Read more »