49ers receiver woes: Will a trade bolster the WR corps?

The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver corps has become one of the most talked-about position groups in need of reinforcements. The team traded away star wideout Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders, and Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from ACL and MCL injuries sustained in October 2024.

That uncertainty grew even more this week when ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Jauan Jennings is unhappy entering the 2025 season on the final year of his current deal. If the two sides can't agree on an extension, Jennings is expected to request a trade.

Bleacher Report's Matt Holder recently listed one trade each NFL team should consider before the start of the 2025 season. For the 49ers, he suggested that general manager John Lynch explore a move to strengthen the wide receiver room—though he didn't name a specific trade target.

"The 49ers are in an interesting spot with their wide receivers," Holder wrote. "Brandon Aiyuk will start training camp on the PUP list and may not be ready for Week 1, while Jauan Jennings recently gave the club an ultimatum for a new contract or a trade.

"That could force San Francisco to lean on the position group's depth at the beginning of the 2025 season, so adding another wideout should be on the table for [GM] John Lynch."

Interestingly, Holder also included the 49ers as a potential trade partner for another team. He believes the Pittsburgh Steelers should target Jennings in a deal to help veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

"Robert Woods is projected to be their No. 2 out wide, and Jennings is basically a younger and (at this stage in their careers) better version of Woods," Holder wrote.

"It was reported recently that the current 49er is looking for a new contract or trade out of San Francisco as he's coming off his best NFL season with 77 catches, 975 yards and six touchdowns, all of which were career highs."

With Aiyuk sidelined, Jennings uncertain, and limited experience behind them, the 49ers may be forced to explore the trade market to stabilize their receiving corps heading into the 2025 NFL season.