On Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers made a big splash, acquiring DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts. The move bolsters an already stout front seven, but the biggest loser of the deal may not even reside on the defensive side of the ball.
Wide receiver Jordan Watkins may be an inadvertent casualty of the trade, not because the lineman will cut into his snaps, but because the 49ers fortified one needy position, and wide receiver is likely next.
Now general manager John Lynch can focus his attention on what the team truly needs: another competent pass catcher.
Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel currently lead the Niners' wide receivers in yards, and both have missed time this year due to injury. Even if the two return soon, it's realistic to think that quarterback Brock Purdy needs more help in the passing game.
Jordan Watkins' role could disappear as quickly as it showed up
The trade deadline approaches just as Jordan Watkins was beginning to carve out a role in the offense. In Week 7, he caught three passes for 56 yards and had two big plays overturned. One was a potential touchdown that could've easily been upheld. He stepped up in a big way and received high praise from his head coach as a result.
If San Francisco fails to bring in another pass catcher, Watkins could very well begin to solidify himself as a weekly third receiver. But that's a big "if," as the team has already been linked to names like Josh Downs, Garrett Wilson, and Brian Thomas Jr., among others.
There is no telling how legitimate those rumors are, but given the current state of the wide receiver room, a move would be unsurprising.
Watkins would surely tumble down the depth chart following a trade, thus ending his time as a legitimate weapon in the passing game.
49ers must capitalize on Super Bowl window, regardless of who sinks on depth chart
By reuniting with DeForest Buckner, the 49ers have already proven that they will sacrifice youthful opportunity for overall competitiveness. Rookie Gracen Halton will undoubtedly lose out on snaps as a result of Buckner's presence.
If the trend continues, Watkins may be next on the list of promising young talents who sees their role diminished by newcomers.
Whether it's a big offensive splash or a subtle veteran acquisition, Jordan Watkins will likely be one of the first receivers to lose out on their role.
The trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and the 49ers are far from done. Regardless of who else they acquire, player who were once thought important may find themselves slipping into irrelevancy.
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