5 players SF 49ers should try moving at 2020 NFL trade deadline

SF 49ers Trade Candidate No. 5: Wide Receiver Dante Pettis

Seeing third-year wide receiver Dante Pettis on the would-be SF 49ers trade block isn’t anything new. And after being inactive in Week 5 against the Dolphins, combined with him seeing a mere 63 offensive snaps (18.7 percent through five weeks), all but means the Niners’ second-round pick from 2018 is back in Kyle Shanahan’s proverbial doghouse.

San Francisco is going to lose big on that investment. But there’s still a chance to recoup some of the losses before Pettis is likely jettisoned by the team between now and 2021.

Pettis’ route-running savvy didn’t just disappear overnight, and it’s pretty evident he’d benefit from a change in scenery. Still having a year-plus on his rookie contract also makes him a more attractive trade piece, too, especially for teams needing to upgrade at wide receiver yet not necessarily having the cap space to do so.

Speaking of wide receiver-needy squads, the New England Patriots could use some reinforcements here to help out their starting tandem of N’Keal Harry and Julian Edelman. The New York Jets are also woefully inadequate at wide receiver and need weapons to ensure quarterback Sam Darnold’s young career doesn’t flame out prematurely.

Heck, even the Baltimore Ravens could use some extra weaponry for quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Pettis wouldn’t command much on the market. But trading him would free up a much-needed roster spot, give both him and the 49ers a fresh start and would land at least something in return.