The trade deadline has passed, and the San Francisco 49ers have a few shiny new toys to show for it. However, their potential dream acquisition still resides on the East Coast. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson is still a New York Jet, as the franchise adamantly stated the star is not for sale.
Though the 49ers pursued Wilson at the deadline, their hopes of landing him were quickly shut down. That being said, there is still a path to get the pass catcher in red and gold - just not this season.
Wilson has been completely transparent about his current status in New York.
"I want to win games and that's the one thing we've been missing [in New York]. I love it here. Do I love it more than winning? Nah, to be completely honest, but I'm hopeful," Wilson said.
In his own words, Wilson, who's currently on a 2-7 Jets team, prioritizes winning over loyalty to his current franchise. It's a powerful statement that could have serious implications down the road, and the 49ers could be the team that reaps the benefit of his growing frustration.
49ers may have just been too early in Garrett Wilson pursuit
While acquiring Wilson at this year's deadline was always a long shot, they may have a better opportunity in a year's time.
The 26-year-old has been a franchise's dream. Despite suffering through years of losing seasons and bad quarterback play, he has stayed relatively quiet. But he wouldn't be the first wide receiver to change his tune. The position is known for its collection of divas, and Wilson would be smart to ask for a trade if winning is truly his top priority.
The 49ers just acquired Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts, but he, along with veterans Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson, is on an expiring contract, and wide receiver will likely be a need yet again come next season.
49ers have what Wilson so desperately covets
The Niners have exactly what Wilson claims he wants: a winning culture. The storied franchise has success coursing through its veins for decades, and this latest regime has continued the expectation of excellence. If he is serious about prioritizing winning, San Francisco could be an ideal landing spot if he ever demands out of New York.
If fans thought quarterback Brock Purdy had reached new heights in his game this year, one can only imagine what he could accomplish throwing to the receiver trio of Mike Evans, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Garrett Wilson.
Few offenses would rival the high-powered hypothetical, and the 49ers would yet again be positioned for another Super Bowl run.
For now, though, Kyle Shanahan and company must be happy with the group of wily veterans they currently have, and they can't get caught up in the what-ifs of the future.
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