The San Francisco 49ers now have the oldest wide receiver room in the NFL, with an average age of about 32 after adding 34-year-old Keenan Allen.
The newest 49ers player is actually the oldest receiver of the group, followed by Mike Evans (33), Brandin Cooks (32), Demarcus Robinson (32), Khadarel Hodge (31), Deebo Samuel (30) and Christian Kirk (30). The 49ers have two other young pass-catchers, though, in Jacob Cowing (25) and Jordan Watkins (24).
KNBR’s hosts noted this week that the 49ers have 11 players aged 32 or older, the most in the NFL, and seven touchdown catches from players 30 or older, an NFL record. But when asked if fans should be worried the team is too old, general manager John Lynch said it isn’t by design.
“I don’t think that’s
a conscious choice,” Lynch said. “We are not saying: let’s go look for all the old players.”
He argued the roster is balanced, even if it skews older. He pointed to 40-year-old long snapper Jon Weeks and 38-year-old left tackle Trent Williams, whom he said “defies age.”
“I really think there is a level where 35 is the new 30, and these guys take such good care of themselves,” Lynch said.
Coincidentally, two of the youngest receivers — Ricky Pearsall (26) and De'Zhaun Stribling (23) — are the ones battling injuries. A few other younger defensive players are on injured reserve, too, including Alfred Collins (25) and Gracen Halton (22).
Lynch said the team also has young players making an impact, such as linebacker Jaden Dugger, who had a pick-six, as well as edge rusher Romello Height, cornerback Upton Stout, and cornerback Renardo Green. He said the 49ers are “satisfied with how our team is put together."
So far, age has not been an issue for the 49ers' record that stands atop the NFC West and the NFC at 7-1.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers have the NFL’s oldest WR room, and John Lynch is fine with it
