The San Francisco 49ers have shot out to a 3-0 start and stand alone at the top of the NFC West, yet they can't seem to catch a break. Kyle Shanahan's team has suffered a long list of injuries through the first three weeks of the season.
The latest ailment, Mike Evans' rib injury, should push the Niners to take serious action.
Evans could be out for multiple weeks if the initial report of a rib strain is correct. The wide receiver room is thinner than ever, even if Brandin Cooks can provide some relief.
With a few intriguing options potentially available via trade or free agency, John Lynch should already be making some calls.
49ers should trade for Browns WR Jerry Jeudy
Of the available options, Jeudy is the most proven receiver. While he has faded into the background of the Cleveland Browns' wide receiver room, he's not far removed from a 1,000-yard season.
According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, Jeudy could cost a conditional fourth-round pick. It's a significant price to pay in the middle of a season, but the Niners are desperate. He could immediately become the top option on the outside for San Francisco and would add much-needed depth once Evans returns.
Trading for Jeudy is the most aggressive option on the table, but the veteran could help keep the offense afloat in the coming weeks.
A Marvin Harrison Jr. trade is worth exploring for 49ers
Yes, intra-division trades are rare, especially in the middle of the season. But Harrison Jr. is the third target at best in Arizona's offense, fourth for the Kendrick Bourne believers out there. Would a Cardinals team so clearly years away from being competitive refuse to trade away a failed pick who doesn't seem to have a prominent role?
Maybe, but it's worth a phone call.
The former top-five selection can fill the "X" receiver role vacated by Evans, and he could see a resurgence in Shanahan's offense. This one is certainly a long shot, but the 49ers should be exploring every option at the moment.
49ers should check in with DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins is currently an assistant coach at Georgia Tech, but he made it clear this offseason that he would be interested in joining a contender. At 34 years old, he's no longer the elite wideout that 49ers fans will remember from his days with the Cardinals.
Still, he could be Brock Purdy's go-to player on third downs while Evans is out. He played a similarly limited role with the Baltimore Ravens last season and put up solid numbers.
Of the available receivers in free agency, Hopkins is likely San Francisco's best option. If Lynch doesn't want to give up draft capital in a trade, he should be reaching out to the former All-Pro wideout.
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