San Francisco 49ers fans might have felt a pang of disappointment when defensive coordinator Robert Saleh took on the head coaching role with the Tennessee Titans after the 2025 season. But this change could open doors for the Niners, offering a chance to strengthen their roster in a key area.
The Titans have a promising young wide receiver, Elic Ayomanor, who could be just what the 49ers need on offense. Meanwhile, San Francisco has a breakout defensive player they might be willing to part with to make this happen.
Ayomanor, a Stanford standout, was a tempting prospect in last year's NFL Draft. Known for his red-zone prowess, he was snatched up by the Titans in the fourth round. In his rookie season, Ayomanor showed promise, playing in 16 games with 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns.
San Francisco's wide receiver situation is in flux. With three receivers heading into free agency and Brandon Aiyuk likely on his way out, the Niners need fresh talent.
Currently, they have Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, and Jacob Cowing under contract, but that's not enough. Enter Ayomanor, a perfect fit for several reasons, including GM John Lynch's affinity for Stanford players.
What would it take to bring Ayomanor to San Francisco? Linebacker Tatum Bethune could be the key.
Stepping up after Fred Warner's ankle injury, Bethune impressed with 94 tackles, a sack, and four tackles for loss. With Warner's return on the horizon, the Niners might consider trading Bethune to fill their wide receiver gap.
For the Titans, Bethune would be a valuable asset on defense, especially since Saleh is already familiar with his capabilities. A straight-up trade might work, though the Niners could throw in a late-round pick to seal the deal.
The existing connection with Saleh could ease negotiations, offering a win-win scenario: an old ally gains a defensive boost, and the Niners get a receiver with potential. Exploring this trade could be a savvy move for both teams.