Niners Urged To Add Six-Time Pro Bowl Receiver

The San Francisco 49ers have made their immediate roster-building plans clear. John Lynch and his team want to move toward a younger and cheaper direction. Their early offseason reflected that direction, watching 11 starters from last season walk in free agency while they traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. 

Samuel's departure was the decision that signaled that change and had a more resounding impact. The Niners' shift carried some extra emphasis with regard to the wide receiver position that had become far too expensive over the last few years. 

Now, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall will be thrust into the spotlight, elevating up the depth chart with this promotion. However, these changes combined with Brandon Aiyuk's recovery from a serious knee injury leaves this group without a veteran presence.

To combat that weakness and spell Aiyuk a few weeks in September if necessary, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton has urged the Niners to consider signing veteran free agent Keenan Allen. The six-time Pro Bowler has 12 seasons under his belt, the last coming in a one-year stint with the Chicago Bears

"The San Francisco 49ers could open the season without Brandon Aiyuk, who is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. According to general manager John Lynch, Demarcus Robinson might be subject to a three-week suspension.

"With the absence of Aiyuk and uncertainty around [Demarcus] Robinson, Allen would be a solid fit to round out three-receiver sets alongside Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall. He's also an upgrade over Robinson and would allow the 49ers to slowly ease Aiyuk back into action."

A veteran like Allen could feasibly contribute in this Niners' offense where he will not be heavily relied upon for production. But is such a move necessary?

San Francisco has extended tight end George Kittle who remains the trusted safety valve for Brock Purdy. Jennings and Pearsall have also shown flashes when thrusted into the spotlight last season, building some trust with their coaching staff at the same time. 

Perhaps this is the moment where the Niners take the training wheels off and let their younger guys ride into battle. 

More than anything, Allen would be a luxury signing just to have another piece at the ready if needed. Once Aiyuk eases back into the lineup, the pecking order of receivers on the depth chart is clearly established.