The San Francisco 49ers reshaped this roster after failing to make the playoffs for the first time in four years. Players weren't the only ones coming and going, though, as Robert Saleh returned to the sidelines in the Bay Area as the defense coordinator, once more.
Additionally, general manager John Lynch made a pair of trades involving now-former members of the 49ers offense: Running back Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings and wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.
Whether or not that trade ruffled another receiver's feathers is anyone's guess, but Washington now has a disgruntled wideout who could find himself dealing with a Samuel-like fate.
Commanders' misfortune could be golden for 49ers
The Commanders were pleased with the production from their top wide receiver, Terry McLaurin.
But just like Samuel, McLaurin could be aiming for greener pastures as he seeks a new deal, one that isn't coming easy from Washington.
Seeing a new player join a team in the same position making more than you could be an upsetting point. His current contract also makes him a Commanders trade piece, should they want to move on from McLaurin and recoup a draft pick or more.
Sports Illustrated's Caleb Skinner reported this week that "McLaurin is reportedly unhappy with stalled contract talks as the Washington Commanders face growing trade speculation ahead of training camp."
Mike Kadlick with the same publication targeted the Niners as one of the top trade targets for McLaurin as well.
49ers don't trade for Terry McLaurin because...
When at full strength, San Francisco's wide receiver room is still pretty solid. In fact, it may be better than most.
Despite No. 1 receiver Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from last year's torn ACL and MCL, the 49ers still can roll out with Jauan Jennings and DeMarcus Robinson, and they also have tight end Goerge Kittle. In the past two NFL Drafts, San Francisco also snagged Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, and most recently, Jordan Watkins.
Recent big investments at the position is one reason why the 49ers potentially steer clear of a would-be trade. But there's another reason, too.
Aiyuk is expected back mid-season. His contract is worth four years and $120 million, an average of $30 million a season.
Yet, the Niners just traded Deebo, who is worth about half of that. Thus, taking on a wide receiver for more than $15 million while giving up assets to do so may not be Lynch's next best move.
In other words, San Francisco may look at this as more of a lateral or backwards move to make for McLaurin, given that they just gave Washington Deebo for a fifth-round pick last spring.
49ers explore trading for Terry McLaurin because...
It's no secret injuries affected the 49ers' locker room. Aiyuk, Pearsall, and Deebo all missed games in 2024, while plenty of others on the offensive side of the ball suffered serious setbacks, denying head coach Kyle Shanahan some of his best options.
McLaurin has been a machine the past few years. In his first two seasons, he missed a combined three games. Since then, the former Ohio State Buckeye hasn't missed a game, which would be of note to Shanahan and Co.
Availability is the best ability, right?
That's four 17-game seasons with perfect attendance. With that type of stability and consistency, McLaurin automatically becomes an asset and perhaps the most reliable receiver on the depth chart.
Player Games Played (2025) Receptions Receiving Yards Touchdowns 2025 Base Salary (w/ Bonuses)
Deebo Samuel (SF) 15 51 670 3 $21.172 million
Terry McLaurin (WSH) 17 82 1,096 13 $15.15 million
On top of durability, the Niners can easily afford the cost associated with McLaurin in a would-be trade. In this league, we all know its about money to a number of players. The same goes with teams and front offices, too.
The 49ers have over $45 million in cap space entering 2025, currently, even after quarterback Brock Purdy's lucrative new extension, which carries a hit of just over $9 million this season.
Relatively speaking, the Niners can afford McLaurin. The question would remain if the seven-year veteran could get a long-term deal done with San Francisco, which could be an obstacle but doesn't necessarily have to be one.
Never say never in the land of the National Football League.
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