The defending NFC Champions, the San Francisco 49ers do not necessarily need a wide receiver.
They are working on extending Brandon Aiyuk’s contact. Fellow star Deebo Samuel is under contract for the long-term.
This likely won’t stop general manager John Lynch and Co. from looking for more weapons to provide MVP finalist Brock Purdy in the passing game.
Ever since Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan took over in Northern California back in 2017, they have continually been linked to Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
The 49ers made a strong play for OBJ back in 2019 before the New York Giants dealt him to the Cleveland Browns. In fact, then-Giants general manager David Gettleman simply did not want to trade him to a conference rival.
The 49ers were also linked to Beckham Jr. after Cleveland waived him during the 2021 season. He ultimately signed with the division-rival Los Angeles Rams.
A half-decade removed from initially flirting with the idea of signing the three-time Pro Bowler, the 49ers are again being linked to Beckham Jr.
Josina Anderson of CBS Sports mentioned San Francisco as one of five potential landing spots for OBJ in NFL free agency. Others include the aforementioned Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens.
Beckham Jr., 31, played with Baltimore a season ago. He did not necessarily put up the numbers most expect from the talented pass-catcher.
Beckham Jr hauled in 35 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught a mere 55% of his targets from reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.
Remember, Beckham Jr. suffered a torn ACL as a member of the Rams back in 2021. He missed the entire 2022 season. There is no telling whether he’ll be able to return to pre-injury form.
From 2014-19 with the Giants and Browns, this former first-round pick from LSU averaged 77 receptions for nearly 1,100 yards.
As for a potential fit in San Francisco, Aiyuk and Samuel are moved around a whole heck of a lot in Shanahan’s offense. OBJ can play boundary and in the slot, too.
The question here is need. Jauan Jennings is a restricted free agent and will likely return to San Francisco next season.
At best, Beckham Jr. would come in as the 49ers’ fourth wide reciever and likely their sixth receiving option behind the three receivers as well as running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle.
It’s still something to think about with NFL free agency opening here soon.
