It wouldn't be shocking to see the 49ers go after a proven free-agent wide receiver this offseason, and Amari Cooper could be the preferred option.
The San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver room is likely going to look dramatically different at the start of 2025 than what fans have grown accustomed to the last few years.
Highlighted by Deebo Samuel's recent trade request, followed by the likelihood of the Niners fully parting ways with him soon, one of head coach Kyle Shanahan's key offensive pieces is poised to play elsewhere this upcoming season.
On top of that, fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from last year's torn ACL and MCL, injuries that put his ability to start the 2025 campaign very much in doubt.
That essentially leaves Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing as the only legitimate rostered options entering the offseason, which prompts the need for Shanahan and Co. to beef up the depth chart.
It might not be on the back end either.
Jennings enjoyed a career year in 2024, yes, tallying 975 receiving yards as the de facto No. 1, while Pearsall flashed late during his rookie season after suffering a scary gunshot wound in late August.
That said, it wouldn't be shocking if the Niners went after a proven veteran with a track record of success.
The Buffalo Bills' Amari Cooper or the New York Jets' Davante Adams, perhaps?
Well, one of the two.
Amari Cooper could be a preferred 49ers free-agent target over Davante Adams
Rewind a year to the 2024 offseason, and the rumor mill had Cooper highlighted as a potential San Francisco addition if it wasn't able to come to terms with Aiyuk on a contract extension.
Cooper even subtly admitted, he "wouldn't mind at all" amid the swirling rumors and speculation, and it would have been hard to blame him after two productive-but-frustrating years with the dysfunctional Cleveland Browns. Yet the Browns ended up trading Cooper to the Buffalo Bills midseason instead, and now he's poised to hit free agency.
Similarly, Adams finds his own future uncertain after making his way from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Jets midseason in 2024. With the Jets moving on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Adams is expected to depart, too, and the latter hinted he'd be open to joining a California-based team, including a mention of the 49ers.
So, possibly, both Adams and Cooper could be on the Niners' radar.
But Cooper might be the smarter target.
At 31 years old, Cooper is two years younger than Adams and is only two seasons removed from his fifth Pro Bowl campaign, one in which he boasted 1,250 yards receiving. Sure, Adams might be the more prolific option. But speculation is he'll be more expensive, too, when he ultimately hits the open market.
Over the Cap valued Adams' 2024 campaign at $13.68 million, whereas Cooper's 2024 valuation was a shade below $5 million.
True, either player would give a primarily young Niners wide receiver room ample experience and pedigree, but Cooper certainly appears to be the less-expensive choice, should San Francisco ultimately decide it needs another veteran presence.