The San Francisco 49ers have focused on reshaping their wide receiver room this offseason as the team prepares for Brock Purdy to sign a massive extension. Former All-Pro Deebo Samuel was put on the chopping block with his production not living up to his salary, and that resulted in his eventual trade to the Washington Commanders
Fellow top wideout Brandon Aiyuk found himself in rumors as well, which would've left San Francisco without a clear No. 1 option to lead a corps that also features Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall.
However, it's now been revealed the 49ers did give chase to a veteran WR1 during free agency -- who could've made Aiyuk even more expendable -- but San Francisco botched the negotiations.
The #49ers reportedly low-balled WR Davante Adams in their pursuit of signing the former All-Pro, according to @MikeSilver
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) April 22, 2025
"I was entertaining the Niners but they were like, 'We're paying wholesale. We ain't paying retail.' And I was like, 'OK, well, I'm not a wholesale-type… pic.twitter.com/dl9gllc39p
Star receiver Davante Adams shed light on his talks with the Niners during free agency to The Athletic's Mike Silver. Adams told Silver that San Francisco wanted to pay "wholesale" rather than "retail," to which Adams took offense given his accolades. Meanwhile, the nearby Los Angeles Rams made it clear they valued his services much more than John Lynch and co., which sealed his move from New York to LA.
There's several ways to take this new intel. First off is disappointment, considering it's not the first time the 49ers reportedly cheaped out on a potential signing, as San Francisco missed out on talented EDGE Joey Bosa for the same reason in March.
Also, there's an argument to be made that San Francisco could be better off with Adams, Jennings, Pearsall, and a top rookie instead of sticking with Aiyuk, who's disappointed since cashing in. He's also a complete unknown coming off of a devastating knee injury, so there's no guarantee he comes back and performs up to the standards he previously set. Adams, however, offers major consistency and wouldn't require a long-term pact after inking a two-year deal with Los Angeles.
On the other hand, it's clear the 49ers have a plan financially after trading Samuel, cutting Kyle Juszczyk before bringing him back for less, and letting veterans walk in free agency without signing any big-name replacements. So they can't be entirely blamed yet for not going after Adams, Bosa, or another aging veteran, especially if they hit home runs with draft picks at those positions, which would extend their contention window much longer.