The San Francisco 49ers are already making moves ahead of the NFL trade deadline to try to stay contenders. Earlier this week, general manager John Lynch made the trade for defensive end Keion White to help with the pass rush after multiple injuries.
There has been plenty of buzz surrounding some names and some position groups of need. But, much like the defensive line, the Niners should consider looking at options at wide receiver given the injuries.
Since the start of the season, the 49ers have gone through a rolodex of pass catchers. Including making a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for Skyy Moore and signing Kendrick Bourne in free agency. But, guys like Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall haven't had too many opportunities to be on the field because of getting hurt.
Plus, it's not just a hit to the team's overall passing game, but also what they've been able to accomplish with the run game with a lack of outside blocking ability — 49ers wide receivers are averaging a Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade of 54.0.
Much to the same extent of when the Niners made the trade for Emmanuel Sanders in 2019, they can help keep their chances as contenders with a trade for a quality wide reciever.
And they should consider these three players.
WR Demario Douglas
During the 2023 NFL Draft process, the 49ers were interested in Demario Douglas. He is a bit of an undersized receiver at 5-foot-8, but he has a lot of upside to his game. He is a very quick and versatile player who can create plenty of yards in open space.
That's something that fits perfectly with head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense when considering a player who will be catching passes.
Douglas also stood out in college for his strong return play. He had two punt returns for touchdowns. And given the fact that San Francisco has not had a punt-return touchdown since 2011, that would add another important to the team's game. Especially as it looks to improve more in special teams.
Plus, Douglas has a run-blocking grade of 72.0. So, he will make sure to block to earn the rock.
Douglas is finding himself a little lost in the shuffle in New England. Stefon Diggs is the No. 1 guy for quarterback Drake Maye, and Kayshon Boutte is emerging as another quality target. So at this point, it's between Douglas and Mack Hollins for the No. 3 receiver spot.
A potential trade to San Francisco could work in Douglas' favor.
WR Calvin Ridley
It may be time for the Tennessee Titans to consider trading some of their more valuable assets for their future success. And given the fact that Calvin Ridley has had a difficult stretch this year, it might be time for the Titans to part ways with their top receiver. Especially with a potential out before the start of next season on Ridley's contract.
San Francisco should make a play for Ridley. Not only is he a big-body receiver who still has plenty of complimentary qualities to work with Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk once they're healthy, but Ridley would be a good target for whomever the 49ers have at quarterback, given Ridley's size and the way he can stretch the secondary. Plus, leave it to Shanahan to be able to revitalize Ridley's career after the former Falcons offensive coordinator left for San Francisco a little more than a year before Ridley was drafted.
Ridley is coming off of back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for Tennessee. Plus, he doesn't have an extensive injury history during his career.
That would be a nice change for not only the wide receiver room, but the Niners as a whole.
WR Ryan Flournoy
The last spot was between two receivers from the Cowboys — Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin.
But when looking at the PFF grades, it made my decision that much easier:
Offensive grade
Flournoy: 76.2
Turpin: 68.3
Run grade
Flournoy: 61.8
Turpin: 60.4
Receiving grade
Flournoy: 75.6
Turpin: 68.3
Run-blocking grade
Flournoy: 64.3
Turpin: 58.2
The grades speak for themselves. Flournoy is not only underrated and a huge asset. But he's a perfect fit for Shanahan's offensive scheme: great player with the ball in his hands in open space who can create separation on routes. And he has potential in the run game as both a ball carrier and a blocker.
He would make great addition to the team. Plus, Flournoy would take the team's offense to new heights once the main guys get healthy.