Robinson’s season hit a potential turning point during a 23-19 road victory in the NFC Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles. In that game, he posted six catches for 111 yards and a touchdown on seven targets, signaling that he could elevate his play in high-stakes moments. Despite this standout performance, projections about Robinson’s future with the 49ers remained cautious. Some analysts suggested that while his late-season burst warranted keeping him as depth, it might not secure his spot beyond the 2026 season unless he demonstrated sustained progress.
Robinson’s path to the NFL has been marked by a long-standing struggle with substance use issues dating back to college. He began his college career at the University of Florida, where he faced multiple suspensions for marijuana-related violations. After testing positive during his freshman year, he endured several suspensions before declaring for the 2016 NFL draft with one year of eligibility remaining.
Selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round (No. 126 overall), Robinson contributed in the Chiefs’ offense, posting a career-best 32 receptions for 449 yards and four touchdowns in 2019 as part of a team that won its first Super Bowl in five decades. He continued to participate in the postseason in subsequent years, including another Super Bowl appearance, before signing a one-year, $1.18 million free-agent deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2022. He was released by the Raiders at the end of training camp and spent the 2022 season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Robinson later joined the Los Angeles Rams, where he spent 2023 and 2024 on a pair of one-year contracts. His time with L.A. was marred by off-field incidents, including two DUI arrests within a short span in late 2024 and early 2025. On the field, 2024 proved to be his most productive season, as he started all 17 regular-season games and posted 31 receptions for a career-high 505 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
At 31 years old, Robinson’s career earnings could exceed $23 million by the end of the 2026 season if his performance remains productive. Whether he remains a long-term piece for the 49ers will depend on his ability to sustain strong play and stay healthy, as well as the organization’s evolving depth at wide receiver.
In summary, Demarcus Robinson’s first year with the 49ers featured a challenging start, a clutch postseason moment, and a potential turning point that could shape his future with the team. The coming seasons will determine whether he remains a core-depth option or transitions into a shorter-term role within the roster.
