49ers could trade away one of these 4 players before Week 1
By Peter Panacy
49ers trade candidate No. 2: Danny Gray
Moving beyond the quarterbacking conundrum, San Francisco could look to shop some other players who may not fit into its long-term plans any longer.
Such could be the case for second-year wide receiver Danny Gray, the 2022 third-round draft choice who was supposed to be Kyle Shanahan's deep-threat player and a key to opening up the offense with Trey Lance and his strong arm.
Lance's season-ending ankle injury in Week 2 last year foretold what Gray's use would be with quarterbacks who had weaker arms, including Purdy and now-Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. At the end of his rookie year, Gray had just one catch on seven targets for 10 yards.
A non-factor.
Shanahan criticized Gray late in the season, pointing out a need to be a more complete route-runner and better blocker rather than just a speed threat. Heading into year two, Gray is reportedly impressing Shanahan much more, which is good news for all parties.
That said, the speedster still could have little use on the receiving depth chart unless Lance wins the job, and Gray isn't going to unseat wideouts like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings anytime soon. Plus, Shanahan hyping up Gray could easily be part of the sales tactic.
Other teams always covet speed, though, and Gray has that in droves.