San Francisco 49ers All-Time Receiving Yards Leaders starts with Jerry Rice, the franchise record-holder with 19,247 receiving yards. For a team with Terrell Owens, George Kittle, Dwight Clark, Gene Washington, Vernon Davis, John Taylor and Brent Jones in its pass-catching history, Rice still sitting nearly untouchable at No. 1 says everything about his dominance.
Terrell Owens ranks second as one of the most physically overwhelming receivers in franchise history. George Kittle has already climbed to third as the greatest receiving tight end the 49ers have ever had. Dwight Clark, Gene Washington, Billy Wilson, Vernon Davis, John Taylor, Brent Jones and Freddie Solomon round out a top 10 that covers almost every major era of San Francisco passing history.
For the full team index, visit our San Francisco 49ers all-time leaders and player rankings hub. This list uses regular-season receiving yards recorded with the San Francisco 49ers only.
How This 49ers Receiving Yards List Works
This list ranks the San Francisco 49ers all-time receiving yards leaders by regular-season receiving yards recorded with the franchise. It does not include playoff receiving yards, preseason stats or receiving yards gained with another NFL team.
That matters for players like Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, Vernon Davis, Anquan Boldin and others who also produced for different franchises. For this leaderboard, only their San Francisco 49ers production counts.
This ranking includes wide receivers, tight ends and running backs because it is a receiving yards leaderboard, not a wide receivers-only ranking. That is why George Kittle, Vernon Davis, Brent Jones, Roger Craig and Frank Gore appear in the broader franchise table.
Last updated: 2026 offseason. George Kittle is still active with San Francisco, so his total and rank can change during future seasons.
Receiving Yards vs. 49ers Pass-Catcher Legacy
Receiving yards are the cleanest way to measure long-term pass-catching production, but they do not tell the entire story. Jerry Rice owns the record because he combined peak dominance with unmatched longevity. Terrell Owens ranks second because his physical prime in San Francisco was overwhelming. George Kittle ranks third because he has produced like a top wide receiver while also carrying tight end blocking responsibilities.
That is what makes this leaderboard useful. It shows the difference between volume, role and era. Dwight Clark and Freddie Solomon were central pieces of championship offenses. Gene Washington and Billy Wilson produced in older passing eras. Vernon Davis, Brent Jones and Kittle show how much tight ends have mattered in 49ers history.
Table of Contents
- How This 49ers Receiving Yards List Works
- 1. Jerry Rice — 19,247 Receiving Yards
- 2. Terrell Owens — 8,572 Receiving Yards
- 3. George Kittle — 8,008 Receiving Yards
- 4. Dwight Clark — 6,750 Receiving Yards
- 5. Gene Washington — 6,664 Receiving Yards
- 6. Billy Wilson — 5,902 Receiving Yards
- 7. Vernon Davis — 5,640 Receiving Yards
- 8. John Taylor — 5,598 Receiving Yards
- 9. Brent Jones — 5,195 Receiving Yards
- 10. Freddie Solomon — 4,873 Receiving Yards
- Biggest Takeaways
- Full Ranking Table
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- More 49ers and NFL Rankings
1. Jerry Rice — 19,247 Receiving Yards
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1985–2000 with San Francisco, franchise-record 19,247 receiving yards, 1,281 receptions, 176 receiving touchdowns, three Super Bowl championships and Super Bowl XXIII MVP.
Jerry Rice is the San Francisco 49ers all-time receiving yards leader, and this is one of the most lopsided franchise records in football. His 19,247 receiving yards are more than double Terrell Owens’ second-place total.
Rice was the perfect blend of route running, conditioning, hands, toughness and big-game production. He dominated with Joe Montana, dominated with Steve Young and stayed elite long enough to build a record that feels almost untouchable.
The receiving yards record is only part of the story. Rice also owns the 49ers receiving touchdown record, sits at the center of multiple championship teams and remains the standard for every wide receiver in NFL history.
2. Terrell Owens — 8,572 Receiving Yards
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1996–2003 with San Francisco, 8,572 receiving yards, 592 receptions, 81 receiving touchdowns and four Pro Bowls with the 49ers.
Terrell Owens ranks second in 49ers career receiving yards. Following Jerry Rice was nearly impossible, but Owens still built a dominant San Francisco résumé of his own.
Owens brought rare size, power, speed and yards-after-catch strength. He could win downfield, break tackles and turn ordinary throws into explosive plays.
His 8,572 receiving yards and 81 touchdown catches make him the clear No. 2 pass catcher in franchise yardage history. Rice is in his own tier, but Owens is the next great name on the leaderboard.
3. George Kittle — 8,008 Receiving Yards
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 2017–present with San Francisco, 8,008 receiving yards, 595 receptions, 52 receiving touchdowns, multiple Pro Bowls and multiple All-Pro selections.
George Kittle ranks third in 49ers career receiving yards, which is ridiculous production for a tight end. He has already passed several legendary wide receivers and has become one of the defining players of the Kyle Shanahan era.
Kittle is not just a receiving tight end. He blocks like an extra offensive lineman, runs after the catch like a power back and stretches the field like a big receiver.
His 8,008 receiving yards place him behind only Rice and Owens in 49ers history. Because he is still active, Kittle can continue building one of the greatest non-Rice receiving résumés the franchise has ever seen.
4. Dwight Clark — 6,750 Receiving Yards
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1979–1987 with San Francisco, 6,750 receiving yards, 506 receptions, 48 receiving touchdowns, two Super Bowl championships and two Pro Bowls.
Dwight Clark ranks fourth on the 49ers receiving yards list, but his legacy is bigger than the number. He is forever tied to one of the most famous plays in NFL history: “The Catch.”
Clark was a reliable, smart and tough receiver who fit Bill Walsh’s offense perfectly. He ran disciplined routes, worked well with Joe Montana and became one of the early faces of the 49ers dynasty.
His 6,750 receiving yards prove he was much more than one historic moment. Clark was a consistent high-level receiver during the beginning of San Francisco’s golden era.
5. Gene Washington — 6,664 Receiving Yards
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1969–1977 with San Francisco, 6,664 receiving yards, 371 receptions, 59 receiving touchdowns and four Pro Bowls.
Gene Washington ranks fifth in 49ers career receiving yards. He was one of the franchise’s best deep threats before the Montana-Walsh dynasty changed the team’s national identity.
Washington averaged 18.0 yards per catch with San Francisco, which shows how explosive he was. He did not need huge reception volume to make a major impact because so many of his catches produced chunk plays.
His combination of yardage, touchdowns and Pro Bowl recognition makes him one of the most important receivers in pre-dynasty 49ers history.
6. Billy Wilson — 5,902 Receiving Yards
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1951–1960 with San Francisco, 5,902 receiving yards, 407 receptions, 49 receiving touchdowns and six Pro Bowls.
Billy Wilson ranks sixth on the franchise receiving yards list. He was one of the 49ers’ first great pass-catching stars and a major weapon during the 1950s.
Wilson’s numbers need era context. Passing volume was lower, seasons were shorter and receivers worked in a more physical environment than they do today.
Even with that context, Wilson produced at a high level for a full decade. His six Pro Bowls show that he was not just a compiler; he was one of the best receivers of his time.
7. Vernon Davis — 5,640 Receiving Yards
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 2006–2015 with San Francisco, 5,640 receiving yards, 441 receptions, 55 receiving touchdowns and two Pro Bowls.
Vernon Davis ranks seventh in 49ers career receiving yards and remains one of the most athletic tight ends the franchise has ever had.
Davis brought rare speed and vertical ability to the position. He could attack seams, outrun linebackers and create mismatches that most tight ends could not create.
His 55 receiving touchdowns are especially strong, and his playoff catch against the Saints after the 2011 season remains one of the most emotional moments in modern 49ers history.
8. John Taylor — 5,598 Receiving Yards
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1987–1995 with San Francisco, 5,598 receiving yards, 347 receptions, 43 receiving touchdowns and three Super Bowl championships.
John Taylor ranks eighth in 49ers career receiving yards. Playing next to Jerry Rice meant he was rarely the first name mentioned, but Taylor was a dangerous weapon in his own right.
Taylor had speed, big-play ability and excellent fit in the 49ers offense. Defenses focused so much attention on Rice that Taylor often punished single coverage.
His game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XXIII remains one of the biggest plays in franchise history. His receiving yards, touchdowns and championship résumé make him one of the most underrated players on this leaderboard.
9. Brent Jones — 5,195 Receiving Yards
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1987–1997 with San Francisco, 5,195 receiving yards, 417 receptions, 33 receiving touchdowns, three Super Bowl championships and four Pro Bowls.
Brent Jones ranks ninth in 49ers career receiving yards and was one of the NFL’s best receiving tight ends during his prime.
Jones was a perfect fit in the West Coast offense. He found soft spots in coverage, worked the middle of the field and gave Montana and Young a reliable target at tight end.
His numbers may not jump off the page compared with modern tight ends, but his role in championship offenses was extremely valuable. Jones remains one of the best tight ends in franchise history.
10. Freddie Solomon — 4,873 Receiving Yards
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1978–1985 with San Francisco, 4,873 receiving yards, 310 receptions, 43 receiving touchdowns and two Super Bowl championships.
Freddie Solomon rounds out the top 10 in 49ers career receiving yards. He was an important receiver during the early Bill Walsh and Joe Montana years.
Solomon had speed, versatility and big-play ability. Before Jerry Rice arrived, he was one of Montana’s key targets and helped the 49ers offense develop into a championship unit.
His 4,873 receiving yards and 43 touchdown catches keep him inside the franchise top 10, and his role on two Super Bowl teams makes his legacy even stronger.
Biggest Takeaways From the 49ers Receiving Yards List
The biggest takeaway is Jerry Rice’s gap over everyone else. Rice leads with 19,247 receiving yards, while Terrell Owens is second at 8,572. That is one of the biggest gaps between first and second on any major franchise leaderboard.
The second takeaway is George Kittle’s climb. Kittle is already third with 8,008 receiving yards, making him the highest-ranking tight end in 49ers receiving history.
The third takeaway is how much tight ends matter in San Francisco history. Kittle, Vernon Davis and Brent Jones all rank inside the top 10, showing how central the position has been across multiple offensive eras.
Full Ranking Table: San Francisco 49ers All-Time Receiving Yards Leaders
Note: This table is sorted by regular-season receiving yards with the 49ers only. It uses 49ers Years instead of games to keep the table cleaner.
| Rank | Player | 49ers Years | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jerry Rice | 1985–2000 | 1,281 | 19,247 | 176 |
| 2 | Terrell Owens | 1996–2003 | 592 | 8,572 | 81 |
| 3 | George Kittle | 2017–present | 595 | 8,008 | 52 |
| 4 | Dwight Clark | 1979–1987 | 506 | 6,750 | 48 |
| 5 | Gene Washington | 1969–1977 | 371 | 6,664 | 59 |
| 6 | Billy Wilson | 1951–1960 | 407 | 5,902 | 49 |
| 7 | Vernon Davis | 2006–2015 | 441 | 5,640 | 55 |
| 8 | John Taylor | 1987–1995 | 347 | 5,598 | 43 |
| 9 | Brent Jones | 1987–1997 | 417 | 5,195 | 33 |
| 10 | Freddie Solomon | 1978–1985 | 310 | 4,873 | 43 |
| 11 | Deebo Samuel | 2019–2025 | 334 | 4,792 | 22 |
| 12 | Roger Craig | 1983–1990 | 508 | 4,442 | 16 |
| 13 | Michael Crabtree | 2009–2014 | 347 | 4,327 | 26 |
| 14 | Brandon Aiyuk | 2020–2025 | 294 | 4,305 | 25 |
| 15 | J.J. Stokes | 1995–2002 | 327 | 4,139 | 30 |
| 16 | Bernie Casey | 1961–1966 | 277 | 4,008 | 27 |
| 17 | Gordie Soltau | 1950–1958 | 249 | 3,487 | 25 |
| 18 | Dave Parks | 1964–1967 | 208 | 3,334 | 27 |
| 19 | Anquan Boldin | 2013–2015 | 237 | 3,030 | 16 |
| 20 | Monty Stickles | 1960–1967 | 207 | 2,993 | 14 |
| 21 | R.C. Owens | 1957–1961 | 176 | 2,926 | 20 |
| 22 | Frank Gore | 2005–2014 | 342 | 2,883 | 11 |
| 23 | Hugh McElhenny | 1952–1960 | 195 | 2,666 | 15 |
| 24 | Clyde Conner | 1956–1963 | 203 | 2,643 | 18 |
| 25 | Jauan Jennings | 2020–2025 | 210 | 2,581 | 22 |
FAQ: San Francisco 49ers All-Time Receiving Yards Leaders
Who has the most receiving yards in San Francisco 49ers history?
Jerry Rice has the most receiving yards in San Francisco 49ers history with 19,247 regular-season receiving yards.
Who is second in 49ers career receiving yards?
Terrell Owens ranks second in 49ers career receiving yards with 8,572 receiving yards.
Who is third in San Francisco 49ers all-time receiving yards?
George Kittle ranks third with 8,008 receiving yards for San Francisco.
Where does George Kittle rank in 49ers receiving yards?
George Kittle ranks third in 49ers career receiving yards and is the highest-ranking tight end on the franchise receiving yards leaderboard.
Who has the most receiving touchdowns in 49ers history?
Jerry Rice has the most receiving touchdowns in 49ers history with 176 receiving touchdowns.
Which tight ends are in the 49ers receiving yards top 10?
George Kittle, Vernon Davis and Brent Jones are the tight ends inside the 49ers receiving yards top 10.
Are playoff receiving yards included in this 49ers ranking?
No. This ranking uses regular-season receiving yards with the 49ers only. Playoff receiving yards are not included.
Does Jerry Rice’s post-49ers career count in this ranking?
No. This is a 49ers-only leaderboard. Jerry Rice’s receiving yards after leaving San Francisco do not count here.
Conclusion: Jerry Rice Still Owns the 49ers Receiving Yards Record
Jerry Rice remains the San Francisco 49ers all-time receiving yards leader with 19,247 yards. His lead over the rest of the franchise is massive, and it reflects why he is widely viewed as the greatest receiver in NFL history.
Terrell Owens is the clear No. 2 pass catcher by yardage, while George Kittle has already reached No. 3 as a tight end. Dwight Clark, Gene Washington and Billy Wilson connect the list to earlier 49ers eras, while Vernon Davis, John Taylor, Brent Jones and Freddie Solomon bring playoff and championship history into the top 10.
The active name to watch is Kittle. He is still building his résumé, and while Rice’s record is out of reach, Kittle can continue separating himself from nearly every non-Rice pass catcher in franchise history.
More 49ers and NFL Rankings
For the full franchise picture, visit our San Francisco 49ers all-time leaders and player rankings hub and our best San Francisco 49ers players of all-time ranking.
You can also read our related 49ers pages for best San Francisco 49ers wide receivers of all-time, San Francisco 49ers all-time receiving touchdown leaders, San Francisco 49ers all-time passing yards leaders and San Francisco 49ers all-time rushing yards leaders.
For broader NFL history, check out our best NFL wide receivers of all-time, best NFL tight ends of all-time and the NFL team all-time player rankings hub. You can also follow SOG Football on Instagram for more NFL rankings, debates and football history graphics.
