The San Francisco 49ers have made plenty of changes this offseason but few areas have been overhauled more than their group of pass catchers. Deebo Samuel was the first player to go when he was traded to the Washington Commanders and trade rumors involving Brandon Aiyuk ran wild earlier this spring.
While Rick Pearsall and Juan Jennings return, the 49ers also signed Demarcus Robinson in free agency and added fourth-round pick Jordan Watkins in the draft. But with all of the weapons on the roster, it appears John Lynch isn’t done as he’s hosting another speedy playmaker ahead of offseason team activities (OTAs).
49ers to Host WR Gabriel Davis Ahead of OTAs
According to Fox Sports’s Jordan Schultz, the 49ers are bringing in veteran wide receiver Gabe Davis for a visit. The free agent was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars last week but has been a big-play threat over his career, posting a 16.2 yards per catch average between his time in Jacksonville and with the Buffalo Bills.
Davis was a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and had his breakout year in 2022, catching 48 passes for 836 yards with seven touchdowns from Josh Allen. While he had another solid campaign with 45 catches and seven touchdowns in 2023, his attempt to become a big-play target for Trevor Lawrence didn’t pan out, catching 20 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns in eight games before suffering a season-ending injury.
New head coach Liam Cohen and general manager James Gladstone decided that parting ways was the best direction, but Davis turned 26 in April and still could have plenty of gas left in the tank.
This would create a great buy-low opportunity for the 49ers. Aiyuk remains on the roster but his availability for the start of next season is in question as he recovers from a torn ACL and MCL suffered last October. Robinson will also be unavailable to start the year as he faces a three-game suspension for a DUI last November.
At the very least, Davis could add competition for Pearsall and Watkins to begin the year. But he could also be a big play target for Brock Purdy. The 49ers would likely be taking that gamble for less than the three-year, $39 million contract Davis signed with the Jaguars and it would be a solid price for a receiver that could exceed any expectations.