Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The San Francisco 49ers may be sitting comfortably at 5-2, but that hasn’t stopped speculation about whether the team could look to bolster its roster before the trade deadline. Injuries have tested the 49ers’ depth this season, including significant losses on both sides of the ball. Linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) and defensive end Nick Bosa (ACL) have both gone down, leaving notable voids on defense.
Offensively, quarterback Brock Purdy (toe), wide receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle, shoulder, ribs), and several others have also missed time. Meanwhile, Brandon Aiyuk‘s return from ACL and MCL injuries remains uncertain.
That raises the question—could the 49ers look to add another wide receiver?
Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports named five teams that might not need to explore the trade market to strengthen their receiving corps. Following the Tennessee Titans’ decision to grant veteran wideout Tyler Lockett‘s release request, Dajani listed five possible landing spots: the 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks, Lockett’s former team.
“Ricky Pearsall missed last week with a knee injury, Jauan Jennings is dealing with ankle, rib, and shoulder injuries, and then Brandon Aiyuk is not ready to make his 2025 debut just yet,” Dajani noted.
Pearsall actually hasn’t played since Week 4, starting the season as the 49ers’ leading receiver. Since then, Christian McCaffrey and Kendrick Bourne have surpassed him as the 49ers’ top pass catchers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the second-year receiver’s status for Week 8 will be evaluated as practices continue this week.
“Despite all of the injuries, the San Francisco 49ers sit atop the NFC West at 5-2,” Dajani added. “They could plan on bringing a former rival in to aid the passing game.”
While wide receiver may not be the 49ers’ most urgent need, adding another reliable target wouldn’t be shocking given their recent injury struggles. Still, Tyler Lockett’s production has dipped in recent seasons.
Through seven games in 2025, he has just 10 receptions for 70 yards on 21 targets. His numbers have declined steadily since a career-high 1,175 receiving yards in 2021, finishing the 2024 season with 49 catches for 600 yards and two touchdowns in his final year with Seattle.
The San Francisco 49ers are facing a major crossroads after losing star linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) for the remainder of the season. Despite sitting at 4-2, their Super Bowl hopes took a significant hit without the heart and soul of their defense.
Before Warner’s injury,…
The San Francisco 49ers expect rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins to make his long-awaited NFL debut on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. The fourth-round draft pick had impressed during training camp before a high-ankle sprain sidelined him in the preseason.
Just as…
The San Francisco 49ers are heading into an important game on Sunday night. Coming off their second loss of the season and dealing with more injury concerns, this game against the Atlanta Falcons isn’t a must-win game, but it feels like one the 49ers really need. San Francisco…
The outlook surrounding the San Francisco 49ers feels vastly different than it did one week ago, and part of that can be attributed to linebacker Tatum Bethune.
The 49ers entered their Week 6 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers already having fought through a large amount of…