Through the first five weeks of the 2026 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers have looked like the NFL’s hottest team. They remain undefeated at 5-0.
However, through the five victories, there has been a price to pay in order to keep winning. For San Francisco, that has been constant injuries specifically at the wide receiver position.
With Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhuan Stribling, Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, and now Deebo Samuel all injured, the 49ers can only count on Mike Evans. Even Evans is playing through two broken ribs.
That being said, the NFL’s best current team is in dire need of help at the wide receiver position. With the trade deadline coming up on November 10th, it may be important for them to make a big splash.
The question now is who they target before the deadline.
Jauan Jennings Already Knows the System and Would Come Cheap
If the 49ers wanted to go with the cheapest, safest, and most realistic trade for their team, then Vikings receiver Jauan Jennings is the move.
Before playing with the Minnesota Vikings this season, Jennings spent his whole five-year career with the 49ers. He had a near 1,000-yard season in 2024. Unfortunately for Jennings, he has had a rough start to his stint in Minnesota. He has only two total receptions for nine yards in five games.
A deal could benefit both sides. Minnesota isn’t getting the value they paid for. In addition, the 49ers know exactly how to use him and can bring both important value and depth.
This seems to be the most realistic option for the 49ers. If this trade happens, it would more than likely only cost them a mid-round draft pick. In addition, this would bring their former wide receiver home for a one-year deal, similar to what the 49ers did with Deebo Samuel.
DeMario Douglas Fits Shanahan’s Offense Better Than Anyone Available
Ever since Kyle Shanahan took over as head coach in 2017, he has always looked for a certain type of receiver for his iconic offense to work. Guys like Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, or Marquise Goodwin are the most notable type of players. They have simply performed the best under this offensive system.
If the 49ers want a scheme fit, DeMario Douglas is the name.
With the Patriots already having three solid options at receiver in A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and Kyle Williams, it seems unlikely that Douglas will get an extension. Therefore, this opens the door for the 49ers.
So far this season, DeMario Douglas only has 13 receptions for 147 yards, which no receiver would be happy about. However, coming to a currently undefeated team could change the overall outcome of his career.
At 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, Douglas in the slot with Mike Evans on the outside could be a dangerous combination. This is especially true with a quarterback like Brock Purdy throwing to them.
If a deal happened, most could expect a third- or fourth-round pick being sent New England’s way for DeMario Douglas.
Garrett Wilson Would Be the Biggest Splash but the Highest Price
If San Francisco wants to make the biggest splash in the NFL during the trade deadline, then New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson would be the player to do it for.
Wilson is only 26 years old. He already has 374 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season. Notably, he also has three 1,000-yard seasons in his five-year career.
Wilson has expressed frustration with the Jets’ direction in the past, so getting him out of New York may not be the hard part. The price tag will be.
Not only is it more than likely going to cost multiple draft picks, but the trade package may include a couple players to cover Wilson’s hefty four-year, $130 million deal.
Given that the 49ers have too many injury problems at the receiver position, Garrett Wilson would bring a new, young, and already proven fresh start to the roster and would only help San Francisco stay undefeated in 2026.
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