Things are getting scary for the San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver room. They’ve had countless injuries within the season's first five weeks. After the most recent ailment, Deebo Samuel's strained hamstring, they have to seriously consider making more moves, whether it’s signing free agents or making a trade.
That’s why the Indianapolis Colts releasing veteran receiver Darius Slayton should get the attention of general manager John Lynch.
Slayton was signed by the Colts after Alec Pierce went down with an injury early in the year. But Slayton never saw the field for Indianapolis, and they released him.
It’s a bit of a surprising move since Slayton has been an effective NFL receiver. He spent the first seven years of his career with the New York Giants. In total, he had 4,435 receiving yards for an average of 15 yards per reception, and he also added 22 touchdowns. Last season, he had 538 receiving yards and one touchdown, a respectable level of production for a role player.
The speedster could be a serious threat in the San Francisco offense if given the opportunity. Christian Kirk has started practicing and could potentially play on Monday against the Washington Commanders. Regardless, they need as many available bodies as possible.
49ers may as well go all in on ther veteran craze
They already scooped up veteran Brandin Cooks, who figures to play a significant big role in the coming weeks, and they’d be smart to load up on experienced options given how this season has gone so far.
Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins have not been a big part of the passing game up to this point. While it may seem unfair to ice them out in favor of veterans, San Francisco is 5-0, and the team has its sights set on the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
This is not a time for on-the-job training, which is why targeting players like Slayton, who have put up numbers in the past and know what it takes to be a consistent NFL receiver, should be given a shot over the younger guys.
Maybe the Niners decide they have enough depth and feel they don’t need to bring in any more veterans, but they have to be honest with themselves and realize that their injury problems are not subsiding any time soon. Therefore, getting a guy like Slayton is the best insurance policy the 49ers can give themselves at this point in the season.
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