The San Francisco 49ers are once again staring down an offseason filled with tough questions and tantalizing possibilities. After another playoff run that ended shy of the ultimate goal, the Niners find themselves in familiar territory-close, but not quite there.
Injuries to key defensive anchors like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner certainly didn’t help, but this is still a team that managed to knock off the defending Super Bowl champs in the Wild Card round and reach the Divisional round. That’s no small feat, but in San Francisco, the bar is set higher.
So what’s next for a roster that’s already stacked with talent? According to former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman, the answer might lie in making a bold splash this offseason-one that could bring another elite weapon to Kyle Shanahan’s already loaded offense.
On a recent episode of The Richard Sherman Podcast, the Super Bowl champ laid out his vision for how the 49ers could level up in 2026. One of the more eye-catching ideas? A trade involving former Pro Bowl quarterback Mac Jones heading to the New York Jets in exchange for wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Now, before we dive into the logistics, let’s talk about what Wilson brings to the table. He’s already made a name for himself as one of the league’s most dynamic young receivers-a top-10 talent by many standards-and pairing him with an offense that already features Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, and rising star Ricky Pearsall would be nothing short of explosive. It’s the kind of move that could turn a dangerous offense into an outright nightmare for defensive coordinators.
Wilson’s ability to stretch the field and win contested catches would add a new dimension to Shanahan’s system. He’s not just a deep threat-he’s a complete receiver who can work all levels of the field, create separation, and make plays after the catch. In an offense built around timing, spacing, and yards after contact, Wilson would be a seamless fit.
As for the cost? Mac Jones has had a rollercoaster start to his career, but he’s still a former first-round pick with starting experience.
For the Jets, who continue to search for stability under center, Jones could represent a low-risk, high-upside option. It’s a deal that, on paper, could benefit both sides-especially if the 49ers believe their current quarterback room is set for the future.
Of course, this is all hypothetical for now. But the idea of adding a weapon like Wilson to an offense that already features McCaffrey’s versatility, Kittle’s physicality, and Pearsall’s emerging skill set? That’s the kind of move that could finally push San Francisco over the top.
The 49ers have been knocking on the door for years. Two Super Bowl appearances in the last five seasons, both times holding leads over the eventual champion Kansas City Chiefs, only to come up short.
They’ve been close-painfully close. And while health will always be a factor, sometimes it takes a bold move to turn potential into a parade.
Whether or not a trade like this materializes, the message is clear: the 49ers are in win-now mode. And if they can find a way to add another elite playmaker to the mix, the rest of the league better be ready. Because San Francisco isn’t just trying to get back to the big game-they’re trying to finish the job.