ESPN’s Nick Wagoner believes De’Zhaun Stribling “won’t be asked to come in and start.”

03 May 2026

Wagoner lists Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, and Christian Kirk as the current top of the depth chart for the 49ers. We wouldn’t be shocked if Stribling made a move on Kirk at some point in the 2026 season, and none of the three wideouts are exactly known for their durability at this point in their careers. Stribling belongs in the WR5 conversation even if the season is likely to start out slow for him.