49ers reportedly expressed trade interest in Garrett Wilson

Interest doesn't necessarily mean meaningful trade discussions took place. With that in mind, ESPN's Rich Cimini reports that the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs both expressed interest in acquiring New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. However, the talented receiver ultimately remained in New York.

"A trade never was a realistic possibility, even though the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers were interested," Cimini wrote. "Wilson didn't want to leave, and the Jets didn't want to deal arguably their best player. Under contract through 2030, he's viewed as a foundational piece.

"This storyline could be re-visited in the offseason, depending on how Wilson feels about the direction of the team."

Wilson has made it clear that he enjoys playing in New York and hopes the Jets can turn things around.

"I want to win games, and that's the one thing we've been missing here," Wilson said.

The 49ers did make a move ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, acquiring veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts. While Allen's addition might not have the same impact as a potential move for Wilson, San Francisco also avoided giving up the significant draft capital that acquiring a younger, established receiver like Wilson likely would have required.

The 49ers' wide receiver depth has been tested throughout the season because of injuries. Allen brings valuable experience to a position group that added Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel during the offseason but has struggled to keep its key contributors healthy.

General manager John Lynch also revealed Thursday that the 49ers explored a potential trade for Josh Downs before the Indianapolis Colts sent the wide receiver to the Kansas City Chiefs. Combined with the reported interest in Wilson, that suggests San Francisco considered several options before ultimately acquiring Allen.