The San Francisco 49ers decided to move on from many key veteran playmakers this offseason. San Francisco's most notable loss on offense was wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Samuel's exit opens up the door for new receivers to step up, but it also places added pressure on fringe veterans to prove they belong on the 2025 roster.
One such player is veteran wide receiver Trent Taylor, who enters OTAs firmly on the roster bubble. Although Taylor has experience in Kyle Shanahan's system, competition is fierce, and San Francisco is prioritizing playmaking depth heading into training camp.
Trent Taylor Enters OTA's Fighting for a Roster Spot
Taylor, a former fifth-round pick of the 49ers in 2017, has experience in Kyle Shanahan's offense. As a rookie, he caught 43 passes on 60 targets for 430 yards and two touchdowns. That's solid production from a fifth-round pick who was the fourth option.
In 2018, Taylor wasn't as productive, recording 26 catches on 41 targets for 215 yards and one touchdown. Unfortunately, he ended up on injured reserve the next season due to a foot injury. Upon Taylor's return in 202, San Francisco's offense was loaded with talent, meaning he barely saw any playing time. He finished the year with 10 receptions on 21 targets for 86 yards.
Since leaving the 49ers, Taylor has become a return specialist. Although when he returned to San Francisco last season, he did see the field as a receiver, hauling in one catch for 11 yards.
Despite that, Taylor's chances of making the 2025 roster are extremely low. San Francisco is not in need of a return specialist, and both Gage and Hodgins have more NFL experience playing wide receiver.
The only leg up Taylor has is his familiarity with Shanahan's offense. Though that's likely not enough to earn him a spot in a 49ers receiving corps that needs playmakers.
Monitoring the preseason performance of the bottom half of the 49ers' receiving room will be fascinating.