With the official 53-man cut-down day upcoming in eight days, the San Francisco 49ers have tough decisions to make, but could be in the market to improve their questionable wide receiver room. The hope is that players return from injuries to round out the receiver depth, but that strategy is anything but certain.
Let’s look at potential receiver targets in trade.
Now, before we begin, the 49ers will not be pursuing big-name, expensive targets. John Metchie was traded from Houston to Philadelphia, and
according to reports, the 49ers were “outbid” by Howie Roseman and the Eagles. The compensation Houston received was a sixth-round pick and TE Harrison Bryant. The Texans needed a tight end given the injuries to their room, so I’m guessing that’s what tipped the scales to Philadelphia with a tight end Houston was interested in.
Now, the 49ers don’t have to panic in any trade. Given the cut-downs across the NFL, potential depth pieces could become available to sign without giving away any draft capital. Diontae Johnson could be cut from Cleveland after the team signed Isaiah Bond. Malachi Corley of the Jets might be on the outside looking in, given his snap count in the second preseason game against the Giants. Don’t rule out a reunion with Kendrick Bourne or taking a chance on young receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, if they are cut from New England.
Let’s just mess around with the trade machine before the 53-man deadline happens!
Curtis Samuel, Buffalo
The Bills added Josh Palmer with a substantial contract and signed Elijah Moore on a low-risk, one-year deal. Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir are primed for the most playing time, especially Shakir, who was extended this offseason. That could leave the former Ohio State receiver on the outs.
According to Over the Cap, Samuel’s 2025 base salary is 6,910,00 and his 2026 base is 6.5 million. Any trade would have to include some sort of contract adjustment, but Samuel can fill in with veteran experience and versatility in Kyle Shanahan’s system.
A sixth and future seventh-round pick should be more than enough to acquire Samuel.
Adam Thielen, Carolina
Listen, I know. Thielen is 35 years old. However, the veteran receiver is essentially on a one-year deal and would cost the 49ers 6.25 million. Two years ago, Thielen finished with over 1,000 receiving yards. Last season’s numbers don’t exactly blow anyone away with only 48 receptions and 615 yards, but Thielen finished with 12.8 yards per reception, his highest number since 2019 (13.9).
The concern is health; Thielen missed seven games in 2024. Down the stretch was a different story for the veteran, as he totaled over 100 receiving yards twice in the final seven games, including a 99-yard game. As Bryce Young finished his season strong, Theilen still proved his ability to get open in zones and with his route-running savvy.
The Panthers are committed to their youth movement at the position with Tet McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker. It might be time to get something for the veteran receiver.
A sixth or seventh round pick is all it would take.
If I had a prediction, I believe the 49ers will wait out the cuts to make a move for another receiver, but Samuel or Thielen would be solid additions to the roster.
