The San Francisco 49ers are putting together a masterful start to the season. But even at 5-0, they can't afford to grow complacent with their current roster configuration, especially given how much injuries have already played a role.
Wide receiver is a clear need for the team. Rookie standout De'Zhaun Stribling got hurt in Week 1 and hardly figures to play a role when he inevitably returns. Deebo Samuel and others have also been hampered by ailments, thus leaving star pass catcher Mike Evans on an island by himself. Therefore, the 49ers must pursue a high-ceiling receiver like Brian Thomas Jr.
With the Texans recent trade for former top-three pick Marvin Harrison Jr., the Niners were given a framework to make a buy-low move of their own. Thomas Jr. is the perfect reclamation project for the team to invest in.
The Jacksonville Jaguars wideout has experienced a tragic fall from grace similar to Harrison Jr.'s. After torching the league in his rookie campaign with 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, the first-rounder has inexplicably been fazed out of the Jacksonville offense.
After weeks of denial from Jaguars camp, it was finally reported this week that the receiver is now available. The news came after his second straight game with zero catches. This week, he failed to play a snap in the second half.
49ers could give BTJ a second chance at a successful career
Marvin Harrison Jr.'s trade arguably saved his career, as things were only getting worse in Arizona.
The trade paid off instantly, too. MHJ caught three of four passes for 34 yards on just 19% of snaps. It was just the second time all season that he caught at least three passes.
A trade for Thomas Jr. would be of a similar caliber, only he has already proven to be a dominant receiver. For one reason or another, he has completely fallen out of grace with head coach Liam Cohen. But a marriage of the BTJ and gunslinger Brock Purdy might prove to be exactly what the pass catcher needs.
Brock Purdy and 49ers could maximize BTJ's skillset, unlike Jacksonville
Trevor Lawrence is a competent NFL quarterback, but he is not of the same caliber as Purdy. The latter's elite accuracy and skill at throwing the deep ball would play well with a burner like BTJ. The Niners also desperately need a field stretcher in San Francisco, so the trade feels like a perfect pairing.
With how low Brian Thomas Jr.'s value has gotten over the last year and a half, GM John Lynch wouldn't have to fork over too many assets to acquire him. Plus, he is still on his rookie deal, so it would hardly affect the franchise's cap space.
In short, a 49ers' trade for Brian Thomas Jr. would be a low-risk, high-reward move that could boost the ceiling of the entire offense. It sure beats the inverse, where Kyle Shanahan and company elect to sit on their heels at the trade deadline and proceed to limp into the playoffs undermanned.
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