The San Francisco 49ers’ 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday proved costly in multiple ways. This defeat, which came at home against the team that beat them in last February’s Super Bowl, dropped their record to 3-4.
Star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury, and head coach Kyle Shanahan, according to NFL Media, said the team suspects it’s an ACL injury. Aiyuk is set to undergo further tests on Monday, but it seems likely the fourth-year receiver will miss the remainder of the season. If Aiyuk is out, the 49ers may need to seek pass-catching reinforcements before the trade deadline, especially with leading receiver Jauan Jennings already out in Week 7 due to a hip injury.
Third-year quarterback Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense could use additional offensive firepower, as the team faces a challenging stretch of games ahead. They will host the 3-3 Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, followed by matchups against the 4-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4-3 Seattle Seahawks, 5-2 Green Bay Packers, 5-2 Buffalo Bills, and 4-2 Chicago Bears before mid-December.
Things could spiral quickly for San Francisco if they don’t find a way to secure some wins. A potential trade target could help the team score points if Aiyuk is sidelined for the season. The New York Jets have placed Mike Williams on the trade block after acquiring Davante Adams in Week 7.
Williams, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal in the offseason, hasn’t seen many targets from Aaron Rodgers. In the Jets’ 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, he caught one pass for 15 yards on two targets. Over the season’s first seven weeks, he has 11 receptions for 160 yards.
Although Williams only appeared in three games last season due to an ACL injury, the 30-year-old receiver was a top target for Justin Herbert during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 and much of 2022. With 95 career NFL games under his belt, Williams has 320 receptions for 4,966 yards and 31 touchdowns. He could provide Purdy with a dependable target and help keep the 49ers in playoff contention into the new year.
With $55 million in cap space, per Over the Cap, the 49ers can easily afford Williams’ salary. A sixth-round pick would likely be enough to acquire him.
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