49ers to add veteran wide receiver

Brandon Aiyuk remains a 49er, but he is not practicing. Frustrated by his contract situation for months, Aiyuk remains a hold-in. As a result, the 49ers are bringing in a veteran.

San Francisco is adding Robbie Chosen, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero. Known more in recent years for his name changes, Chosen has starter experience and, per Pelissero, received interest elsewhere. After working out for the 49ers, the former Jets and Panthers starter will receive another opportunity.

The Seahawks hosted Chosen earlier this offseason, but ESPN.com’s Field Yates notes the 49ers brought him in for an audition Wednesday. Chosen follows Tracy Walker as recent 49ers tryout invitees to receive a contract offer. Walker signed with the team late Wednesday night. The other player invited for a workout, safety Rudy Ford, has not signed.

The former Robby Anderson, Robbie Anderson and Chosen Anderson is now 31 and is coming off an unremarkable Dolphins stint. However, a 68-yard touchdown grab in Miami’s 70-20 demolition of Denver led to an interesting four-catch, 126-yard stat line from last season. The Panthers rostered Chosen from 2020-22 but traded him shortly after Matt Rhule, Chosen’s college HC while at Temple, was fired. The deep threat produced a 1,000-yard season in 2020, leading to a two-year, $29.5M Carolina extension, and flashed again during his Jets tenure. At this point, however, Chosen would qualify as a depth option.

Beginning camp without Ricky Pearsall healthy, the 49ers have since seen the first-rounder return to practice. The defending NFC champions still have Deebo Samuel and the recently extended Jauan Jennings in uniform while Ronnie Bell and fourth-round rookie Jacob Cowing are rostered as well. The team also signed Chris Conley and brought back Trent Taylor this offseason, but Chosen will be asked to contribute as well. 

With 16-man practice squads in place, Chosen could compete for a spot there if he is unable to land a 53-man spot.