Before their win Monday night over Indianapolis, the San Francisco 49ers had officially clinched a playoff spot. Pittsburgh defeated Detroit in Week 16, making the NFC playoff picture clearer with two weeks to go in the regular season.
This has been one of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s impressive coaching seasons, given the early-season offensive inconsistency and the injuries sustained by key contributors. Defensively, Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and Fred Warner have all been out for the season since Week 6.
On the offensive side of the ball, Brock Purdy, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle have all missed multiple weeks. To sit at 11-4 in control of their playoff seeding, the job that Shanahan has done should not be understated.
If there is a black cloud that has hovered over the 49ers dating back to the middle of last year, culminating in recent cryptic social media posts, it rests on the shoulders of a talented but troubled wide receiver: Brandon Aiyuk.
The series of events that has led the 49ers to decide to void his 2026 guarantees has been a whirlwind. Commencing last summer, when Aiyuk publicly aired his frustrations about a new contract, ultimately leading to requesting a trade last July. After a holdout that lasted more than a month, the 49ers finally caved and rewarded Aiyuk with a new 4-year, $120 million contract.
During a week 7 matchup against Kansas City, Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and MCL, ending his season. Since that point, Aiyuk has missed numerous meetings, refused to rehab at team facilities, and essentially ceased communication with the organization.
During recent interviews, general manager John Lynch had labeled Aiyuk’s rehab and status as “hopeful, but not realistic.” Recently, the 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list, officially ending his chances of returning this season.
The situation is untenable, and the relationship between the 49ers and Aiyuk appears to be heading for an imminent divorce.
However, after this year’s playoff run ends, the 49ers will definitely be in the market through the draft and free agency to improve depth at wide receiver. Aiyuk is assuredly not returning next year, in addition to the status of Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore, all of whom are impending free agents.
Here are five unrestricted free agent wide receivers San Francisco should consider signing.
5 – Rashid Shaheed
Acquired in November from New Orleans, Rashid Shaheed has been a revelation for the Seahawks, given his versatility and explosiveness. Though he has only 13 receptions in seven games, Shaheed has more than made up for it with big-play ability.
With four career punt returns for touchdowns (one this season) and five scores of 58+ yards, Shaheed is solidified as a big-play threat. If Seattle decides to reward Jaxon Smith-Njigba with a big contract, Shaheed could be available.
4 – Jalen Tolbert
The statistics don’t jump off the page, but Jalen Tolbert has the potential to be a contributing third or fourth receiving option. The size and speed are there, which makes Tolbert a legit deep threat (10 career touchdowns), along with some drops.
George Pickens will likely be franchised, and with the emergence of Ryan Flournoy, Tolbert might be the odd man out in Dallas, and attainable on the market.
3 – Christian Kirk
Now on his third team in season eight, Christian Kirk has posted pedestrian numbers as WR3 in Houston this season. However, he has had a productive career at age 29. He does not possess intimidating measurables in terms of size, but Kirk’s sound route running and dependable hands make him trustworthy.
The Texans have two rookie wide receivers in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, and unless they retain Kirk for a cheaper price tag, he will be expendable. Depending on what happens with Jauan Jennings this offseason, Kirk would be a solid replacement.
2 – Alec Pierce
Much like Rashid Shaheed, Alec Pierce has become a big-play threat. Two scores against the 49ers on Monday night, and four overall, Pierce has good ball skills and is effective as a run blocker. Still, with Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren all with more receptions, he doesn’t get enough targets, despite leading the league in average yards per catch (20.3).
The uncertainty at quarterback with Indianapolis next season could influence whether they pay Pierce or let him walk. His skill set would be attractive to teams if he becomes available.
1 – Wan’Dale Robinson
The injuries to young offensive stars Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers have given Wan’Dale Robinson an opportunity, and he has delivered, ranking in the top 10 in receptions. Robinson has reliable hands and is best on short routes, where he can be elusive in the open field, but he’s not the biggest receiver by physique.
Given that Jaxson Dart quarterbacks in an aggressive and reckless style and that New York has won a paltry 20 games in his four-year career, Robinson could play elsewhere if the Giants don’t pony up or use the franchise tag.
