Purdy will be missing one of his key playmakers when the 49ers open the season against the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is expected to start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for at least the first four games as he continues recovering from ACL and MCL injuries.
That leaves Jauan Jennings and second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall as San Francisco's Week 1 starters. CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin believes the 49ers' receiving corps could benefit from adding a veteran presence, and he doesn't think such a move would break the bank.
Benjamin named the 49ers among the five best fits for either Amari Cooper or Keenan Allen, along with the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
"The 49ers used the first waves of free agency to purge rather than collect big names, but neither Allen nor Cooper would likely cost a ton at this point of the offseason," Benjamin wrote. "Yes, San Francisco's wide receiver corps is theoretically set for the long term with both Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall in tow, but the former is still recovering from a serious injury, and Pearsall only has 11 NFL games under his belt."
After a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2024, Benjamin believes the 49ers could benefit from adding another proven weapon for Purdy—at least for one season.
"After securing Brock Purdy for the long haul, it's not hard to envision Kyle Shanahan wanting to give his young quarterback added insurance out wide, especially in the form of a proven route-running possession target like Allen or Cooper," Benjamin concluded.
Cooper is a five-time Pro Bowl selection, while Allen has earned six Pro Bowl nods over his career. Both players could provide another veteran presence and help bolster San Francisco's passing attack as the team looks to bounce back in 2025.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers insider: De'Zhaun Stribling could emerge as WR2
The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back wide receiver Deebo Samuel, agreeing to a one-year, $7 million contract after concerns grew surrounding Ricky Pearsall's availability for the 2026 season. Pearsall continues to deal with the effects of the PCL injury that limited him... -
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addresses the media during training camp
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Saturday's training camp practice. It was the first time he spoke publicly since suffering injuries during a July 14 car accident. Here's everything he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco... -
49ers' Fred Warner shares players' reaction to Kyle Shanahan addressing the team
Although San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't been able to take on his full-time duties at the start of training camp, he has remained a visible presence around the facility. As he continues recovering from the injuries he suffered in a July 14 car accident,... -
49ers' Trent Williams climbs in NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 rankings
A fourth San Francisco 49ers player has earned a spot on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 list. Twelve-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams came in at No. 40, climbing five spots from his No. 45 ranking in 2025. No. 40 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@49ers OT...