The San Francisco 49ers head into the offseason with one clear priority: finding another weapon for Brock Purdy - and not just any weapon, but a true difference-maker on the outside.
Christian McCaffrey led the team not just in rushing yards, but also in targets and receptions. That’s a testament to his all-world versatility, sure, but it also shines a light on a bigger issue: the 49ers leaned heavily on their running back to carry the load in the passing game. When your top target is a running back, it’s a sign that your receiving corps needs reinforcements.
Outside of McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle, only Jauan Jennings cracked the top three in receiving yards - and he’s now a pending free agent. With Brandon Aiyuk reportedly on his way out and rookie Ricky Pearsall battling through injuries, the 49ers are staring down a thin depth chart at wide receiver.
Kendrick Bourne, while a solid contributor, isn’t the kind of player who consistently tilts the field. Purdy needs someone he can trust in high-leverage moments - a go-to option who can win one-on-one and stretch the field.
That’s why this offseason could see San Francisco make a serious move at the wide receiver position, whether it’s through free agency or the draft. According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, the 49ers are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of a high-impact wideout. That could mean targeting a veteran free agent or investing premium draft capital to land a dynamic pass-catcher.
So who could fit the bill?
There’s no shortage of intriguing names, but it really comes down to how much the Niners are willing to spend - both financially and in draft assets. A.J. Brown and George Pickens would be dream targets in terms of talent, but let’s be real: the odds of the Eagles or Cowboys trading a star receiver to an NFC contender are slim to none.
That brings us to a more realistic option: Alec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts. He’s projected to command around $20 million per year, per Spotrac, which is manageable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a quarterback still on a rookie deal. Pierce brings legit vertical speed and could give Purdy a true downfield threat - someone who forces safeties to think twice and opens up space underneath for McCaffrey and Kittle to operate.
Of course, the draft remains in play, and the 49ers have shown they’re not afraid to make bold moves when they see a player they like. But given the uncertainty around Aiyuk and Jennings, and the need to support Purdy as he continues to develop, this feels like a moment where San Francisco needs to make a splash - not just a smart move, but a statement.
The 49ers are already built to contend. But if they want to keep pace with the elite offenses in the NFC - think Philly, Dallas, Detroit - they’ll need more firepower. This offseason could be the one where they go out and get it.