The San Francisco 49ers are working the phones for receiver help. According to Jay Glazer, the 49ers had a deal in place with the Minnesota Vikings to bring back receiver Jauan Jennings, which was ultimately nixed by Jennings himself. The good news is the 49ers are looking to add receiver help. The bad news is they might be aiming very low by targeting Jennings.
The trades have slowed down, and that’s understandable, as Sunday’s games would help reveal teams who are now sellers. Through eight weeks,
the sample size is good enough for teams to be truthful with themselves about the outlook for 2026. Yes, that means you, Los Angeles Chargers.
Sunday’s games have helped add potential targets at wide receiver. Let’s look at three new names for the 49ers to target.
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore
With Baltimore looking at a lost season with the potential season-ending injury to Lamar Jackson, the Ravens have to consider moving players for draft capital. Zay Flowers is there to stay, and the Ravens drafted Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt. Bateman signed a three-year extension worth $36.75 million. $16.5 million was guaranteed at signing, with another $3.5 million guaranteed.
With only 19 catches this season, Bateman is an afterthought in the Ravens’ offense. Better days aren’t ahead if Snoop Huntley or the emergency third QB has to finish the season. As a separator, Bateman holds a 1.42 separation score against man coverage (25th in the NFL) and a 1.79 separation score against zone.
Perfect low-risk, high-reward move at the deadline.
Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee
The Titans are going nowhere fast, and the future is built around Carnell Tate, with the chance of landing Jeremiah Smith in the draft. Ayomanor is 6’2” and the perfect addition for Purdy and his affinity for taller receivers. Ayomanor has just 13 catches for 211 yards and a touchdown on the season.
The 49ers did scout him at his pro days, and they would have control over the young receiver moving forward. John Lynch and the front office should return to Ayomanor and call Robert Saleh and the Titans about his potential price.
Ayomanor would raise the floor of the receiver room and improve the depth.
Malik Washington, Miami
Now, stay with me here. Washington is more of a weapon, like Deebo Samuel, but the young receiver has shown juice, and his speed should be coveted. The Dolphins spent two draft picks on Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell, and the team is rightfully excited about both players. Washington scored on Sunday and has a total of 31 catches, 329 yards, and a touchdown.
Washington is more of a complementary piece, which only works in tandem with Mike Evans, but his speed and YAC ability could boost the receiver room. Miami may not look to move him, but the sixth-round pick should receive some attention, and the 49ers should gauge his price.
