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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 25 players for 2018

By Chris Wilson

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers Pierre Garcon
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

6. WR Pierre Garcon

The San Francisco 49ers signed Pierre Garcon to be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver in 2017, and the 31-year-old produced at that level before his season ended prematurely due to a mid-season neck injury. Garcon’s injury was considered relatively minor, with an approximate recovery time of eight weeks.

Since Goodwin stepped in admirably during Garcon’s absence, the 49ers now have two potential top wideouts. Still, Garcon is expected to be Garoppolo’s top option in 2018, although the two have yet to play together in a regular season game.

In the 2018 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected a potential long-term replacement for Garcon in second-rounder Dante Pettis, but the University of Washington product will likely start the season as the team’s fourth wide receiver.

Given the structure of Garcon’s contract, he likely has two years remaining with the team. The 49ers hope they receive No. 1 receiver production from Garcon during those two years — particularly in 2018.