We hate to break it to you, San Francisco 49ers fans, but Skyy Moore is not your savior. Acquiring him from the Kansas City Chiefs did little to solve the wide receiver problems currently plaguing the Bay Area. There's still immense room for improvement, and the NFL's 53-man roster deadline presents an opportunity to plug the gap.
Ricky Pearsall is mirroring Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, looking around an empty room wondering where everybody went. Brandon Aiyuk's return from the torn ACL and MCL he suffered last season is murky, even after head coach Kyle Shanahan's incredibly vague timeline update. Jauan Jennings is dealing with a calf/contract issue that could reportedly land him on injured reserve to start the year.
Somehow, that's only the tip of the iceberg in San Francisco.
Virtually all of the Niners' non-Pearsall wideouts are hurt, except Demarcus Robinson, who's facing a three-game suspension for a 2024 DUI. Things have gotten so bad that fans are hoping for a mid-career renaissance from reserve/future addition Russell Gage.
Nevertheless, one man's trash is another's treasure; San Francisco should embrace this mantra and continue dumpster diving for receiving help.
Some intriguing players might become available courtesy of the league-wide cutdown day, whether via waivers/free agency or trade, namely the four mentioned below.
3 WR cut/trade candidates the 49ers would be wise to pursue
Diontae Johnson, Cleveland Browns
If 2024 is any indication, Johnson is probably more trouble than he's worth at this stage in his career. He flamed out with three different franchises, including two playoff teams waiving him within a month amid their respective postseason pushes. That alone is reasonable grounds for San Francisco, whichstill has "[lingering] tension" with Aiyuk following their contractual impasse last offseason, to tread lightly here.
Johnson "has been outplayed in [Cleveland Browns] camp," according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson ($), so it sounds like he's a prime cut candidate. However, character concerns aside, it wasn't ago that he was considered an elite separtor and target-earner. Even in 2024, we were reminded of that before a myriad of injuries hit him and chaos unfolded.
From Weeks 3 to 6 of the previous campaign, Johnson ranked in the top 10 in targets, receptions and receiving yards and touchdowns. He was the focal point of the Carolina Panthers' passing attack and proved capable of handling a meaningful role. The 49ers wouldn't have to rely on him to this degree, though they can surely benefit from his experience.
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers
Matt LaFleur seems steadfast on hanging onto Doubs despite the squad's wealth of receiver depth. The Green Bay Packers' head coach publicly said he'd be "very shocked" if the fourth-year pro "was going anywhere."
Yet, that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning, because actions speak louder than words.
The Packers selected two receivers this spring, including spending a first-round pick on one for the first time in over two decades. They also signed an established veteran Mecole Hardman. Meanwhile, Doubs is entering the final year of his rookie deal with no extension in sight. Everything Green Bay has done to this point since their disappointing Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles contradicts LaFleur's comments.
Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers
Typically, when there's smoke, there's fire. Thielen has been heavily connected to his former club, the Minnesota Vikings, amid speculation surrounding his future in Carolina. No agreement seems imminent, with The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson deeming a reunion "not likely" at the moment, citing financial hurdles.
Nonetheless, Thielen has ostensibly become expendable in Carolina. Their past two first-rounders, rookie Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette, figure to line up on the ouside. 2024 undrafted free agent Jalen Coker emerged as a legitimate slot weapon, which is where the two-time Pro Bowler primarily resides.
Thielen, 35, has plenty left in the tank, as he proved down the stretch of last year. His 74.8 receiving yards per game and four end-zone trips ranked 15th and tied third-most in football from Weeks 13-18, respectively.
Regardless, 2025 may be the the final hurrah for him, presenting the Niners with an appealing, low-stress, medium-reward rental.