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What the 49ers are Getting in WR Demarcus Robinson

Here is what the 49ers are getting from newly signed free agent receiver Demarcus Robinson.

Jose Luis Sanchez III

Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (15) scores a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (15) scores a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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It's tough to get excited about any of the players the 49ers signed in free agency.

Most of the free agents brought on are to help the special teams. It was necessary to add special teams players, but the 49ers still have plenty of needs left.

However, one need that was also addressed was at wide receiver. The 49ers signed former Rams receiver Demarcus Robinson to a two-year, $9 million deal with $6 million guaranteed.

On the surface, Robinson may not seem like needle needle-moving free-agent addition. But there are reasons to be excited about if you're unfamiliar with him.

What the 49ers are getting in Robinson is versatility. He can play in the slot as well as the outside. Although, he skews towards playing outside more, which is fine.

George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall can take the slot for most of the team. But it is excellent to have another wide receiver who is interchangeable.

That allows Kyle Shanahan to be creative and even shuffle players around for the same play to give a new look. In addition to his versatility, the 49ers get a walking first-down player.

27 of Robinson's 31 catches went for a first down. He is a reliable chain mover. The 49ers need that type of receiver, especially someone who can beat man coverage. That is what he can do.

Deebo Samuel could never do that. All a defensive coordinator needed to do to keep Samuel in check was place their average cornerback on Samuel.

That won't work with Robinson. He was one of the better receivers against man coverage, specifically press coverage. Robinson scored all seven of his touchdowns when facing press.

He tallied 16 catches for 251 yards against it with 15.7 air yards per target. Defensive coordinators will think twice about having their cornerbacks press Robinson.

Lastly, Robinson provides the 49ers with a vertical threat. They aren't a deep shot-throwing offense, but it will entice them to dabble in it a bit more with Robinson.

He at least gives the 49ers a new dynamic for defenses to account for. It can open things up for other players and allow for more sustained drives.

Robinson isn't a prominent or even a great player. However, he is a player that 49ers fans should be a little excited about what he can do in the offense.

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Jose Luis Sanchez III
JOSE LUIS SANCHEZ III

Jose Luis Sanchez III has covered the San Francisco 49ers daily for FanNation since 2019. He started off as the lead publisher for FanNation's All49ers, then switched positions to become the Deputy Editor in 2020. Sanchez writes, edits, and produces videos daily for All49ers. He also co-hosts a show on YouTube with All49ers lead publisher Grant Cohn weekly. Prior to FanNation, Sanchez started his writing career back in 2016 for the school newspaper at Skyline college where he covered all sports team in the Bay Area. Following that from 2017 to 2019, he found a role as a contributor for FanSided's news desk along with their site's Just Blog Baby covering the Las Vegas Raiders and Golden Gate Sports every professional Bay Area sports team. Atop all of that, he was able to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies at San Francisco State University in 2020. Sanchez is committed to ensuring he delivers transparent analysis and straightforward opinions that resonates with readers to get them thinking.

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