49ers’ nickel back Stout intent on ‘cleaning up’ details in Year 2

Upton Stout is entrenched as the 49ers' nickel back after an impressive rookie season.

admin August 6, 2026 2 minutes read

SANTA CLARA — Upton Stout relished his one-on-one matchup with Deebo Samuel in the red zone.

An out-route developed. Or, shall we say, a Stout-route?

Stout cut in front of Samuel near the sideline, got his hands on the ball, then banged into the nearby fencing, angry he didn’t make the interception.

“It’s good work. Anytime I see the best receiver, I always want to go against him, because I want to be the best,” Stout said after Wednesday’s practice. “Anytime I see Deebo, I’m trying to run out there and get that work.”

Stout also dished out kudos to 13th-year veteran Mike Evans (“uses his arms and is physical”) and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling (“uses his hands and speed”); those receivers have been sidelined of late by quadriceps and hamstring injuries, respectively.

Stout may only be entering his second season but he is entrenched as the third cornerback, lining up against slot receivers in the 49ers’ nickel package.

He plays bigger than his 5-foot-9 frame and was arguably their top defender last season in playing 55% of the snaps.

Stout’s personal 2025 review: “A guy playing with passion, a lot of mistakes, a couple of good things, but somebody who has the want to do it. Year 2 is the year to clean up and hone into the little things of the game.”

This season, Stout is embracing defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ “be free” style, echoing similar praise from starting cornerbacks Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green.

“It allows the DBs to play fast and use our best capabilities,” Stout said of the scheme. “Just be free, make plays and be ourselves, honestly. Just tap into your inner self, be free and have fun.”