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NFL free agency: 5 wide receivers the 49ers can consider for 2018

By Peter Panacy

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Paul Richardson #10 of the Seattle Seahawks beats cornerback Rashard Robinson #33 of the San Francisco 49ers to score a 9 yard touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Paul Richardson #10 of the Seattle Seahawks beats cornerback Rashard Robinson #33 of the San Francisco 49ers to score a 9 yard touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 24: Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams carries the ball against the Tennessee Titians at Nissan Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 24: Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams carries the ball against the Tennessee Titians at Nissan Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Sammy Watkins, Los Angeles Rams

On one hand, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Sammy Watkins hasn’t exactly lived up to the hype after being drafted out of Clemson back in 2014.

One would have thought he’d be a seamless fit under Rams head coach Sean McVay after a disappointing, injury-plagued 2016 with the Buffalo Bills. But Watkins ended up playing third fiddle within the Rams receiving corps behind wideouts Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, hauling in just 39 passes for 593 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Rams could apply the franchise tag here, although it’s probably smarter for them to let Watkins walk.

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If so, the Niners would be wise to sign Watkins on a one-year, “prove it” deal to see whether or not the inconsistencies of the last two years are signs of things to come.

And it isn’t as if San Francisco lacks the cap space.

More importantly, it would be intriguing to see a player like Watkins — who’s still only 24 years old — look to make a splash in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.