The San Francisco 49ers lost some key players this offseason, including former All-Pro Deebo Samuel. They could replace him with a veteran before the season starts.
The 49ers traded Samuel to the Washington Commanders early in the offseason. They are expected to have Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings as their top three receivers. However, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton tabbed them as suitors to sign Keenan Allen.
"The San Francisco 49ers could open the season without Brandon Aiyuk, who is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL," wrote Moton. "According to general manager John Lynch, Demarcus Robinson might be subject to a three-week suspension. The 49ers signed Brock Purdy to a five-year, $265 million extension. As running back Christian McCaffrey ages, San Francisco's high-paid signal-caller must carry more of the offensive load, and to do that, he needs a full deck of pass-catchers."
Allen spent 2024 with the Chicago Bears after playing with the Los Angeles Chargers franchise his entire career. He had just 744 yards, but scored seven touchdowns. He is a six-time Pro Bowler, with his last selection coming in 2023.
"With the absence of Aiyuk and uncertainty around Robinson, Allen would be a solid fit to round out three-receiver sets alongside Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall," wrote Moton. "He's also an upgrade over Robinson and would allow the 49ers to slowly ease Aiyuk back into action."
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He has over 11,000 receiving yards in his career and 66 touchdowns. He is a veteran who can still be a red zone threat for the 49ers. Spotrac projects him to earn a two-year, $22 million deal, so he would not be an overly expensive addition. He could sign for even cheaper this late into free agency.
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