49ers Weigh Receiver Help as Trade Deadline Nears

On October 30, San Francisco’s first loss of the season—a 29-20 defeat to Atlanta—put the 49ers’ receiver depth in focus. Injuries kept Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel out, while rookie De’Zhaun Stribling remains sidelined after hurting his ankle in Week 1. Ricky Pearsall is out for the season following knee surgery.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Evans, Samuel and Demarcus Robinson could be back when the 49ers host the Raiders on November 8. Evans has 27 catches, 420 yards and three touchdowns in six games, but has been dealing with rib and Achilles problems. Samuel has missed time with a hamstring injury after recording 206 receiving yards and three touchdowns in four games.

One possible trade target is Minnesota receiver Jauan Jennings, who spent his first six NFL seasons with San Francisco. He has four catches for 43 yards in five games with the Vikings, and his one-year contract is worth $8 million. San Francisco could also pursue a bigger move for Jets receiver Garrett Wilson, whose season totals are 37 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns.

There is also a case for the 49ers to explore a deal for Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, with injuries affecting the team’s defensive front. Any major acquisition could cost premium draft picks, and neither Wilson nor Crosby is known to be available. The deadline is November 10.