The San Francisco 49ers made several changes/additions to their wide receiver room this offseason. The most notable change happened in February when the 49ers traded veteran receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.
The 49ers have since made multiple moves before and after that trade to add competition to the wide receiver room. It started in January and February when the 49ers signed veterans Isaiah Hodgins and Russell Gage to future/reserve deals.
Then, in March, San Francisco signed Demarcus Robinson to a two-year contract. The 49ers followed up that signing by taking Jordan Watkins (fourth round) and Junior Bergen (seventh round), and signing Isaiah Neyor as an undrafted free agent.
Despite all this competition and youth, one would think Hodgins could make his presence felt in OTAs and minicamp, given his experience. However, that hasn’t happened. In fact, we haven’t heard much about Hodgins in the spring circuit.
49ers WR Isaiah Hodgins Has Disappointing This Offseason
Instead, it's been the young players such as Jacob Cowing, Watkins, and Neyor, who have been garnering buzz and attention. Neyor received attention in rookie minicamp in May, while Cowing and Watkins have stood out in OTAs and minicamp, making plays for whoever is throwing them the ball.
If Cowing and Watkins carry this momentum into training camp and the preseason, there might be no room for Hodgins on the 53-man roster. With a healthy Brandon Aiyuk, the 49ers have six good WRs when you factor in Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings.
With Aiyuk still recovering from a devastating knee injury, the 49ers have five WRs. At the same time, it could be four, depending on whether the league suspends Robinson.
Therefore, Hodgins will have an opportunity in training camp to make a strong case, but he’s running out of time as the youngsters are already surpassing him. Before signing with San Fran, the 26-year-old wide receiver spent the last two-plus seasons with the New York Giants.
Hodgins emerged onto the scene midway through the 2022 season with the Giants after the Buffalo Bills cut him. The San Jose, CA native had 33 receptions (42 targets) for 351 yards and four touchdowns in eight games.
He also played well in the Giants’ playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings. Hodgins followed up with a solid 2023 season (21 receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns).
Hodgins barely saw the field in New York in 2024 (three games), as he spent most of the year on the taxi squad. The veteran wideout has a lot to prove after being pushed aside by the Giants. The 49ers are the perfect team for the veteran to do it with, but it’s a wait-and-see situation for now.