The San Francisco 49ers are 3-4 and lost Brandon Aiyuk to a season-ending knee injury. The team has yet to see Christian McCaffery take the field.
While predicting deadline trade deals, Cory Woodroof of USA Today predicted the 49ers would make this trade to bring three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins to San Francisco from the Tennessee Titans:
- The 49ers receive: DeAndre Hopkins
- Titans receive: 2025 mid-round draft pick
“The 49ers losing Brandon Aiyuk to an ACL injury is a huge blow to this offense. To help offset the loss of Aiyuk, San Francisco decides to send out a 2025 mid-round pick to bring in Hopkins “Woodroof wrote. “He’s the kind of talented veteran who could help the 49ers stay afloat on offense. Tennessee general manager Ran Carthon was hired in San Francisco, which helps get a deal done here.”
Hopkins signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Titans in 2023. He will become a free agent after this season. Hopkins was no longer the same player he was with the Houston Texans or the Arizona Cardinals. However, the Titans’ inconsistency at the quarterback position could have a significant effect on his play.
Maybe playing with Brock Purdy in Kyle Shanahan’s offense could return Hopkins to the player he once was. Deebo Samuel will allow Hopkins to see fewer double teams and easier matchups.
The 49ers are by no means out of the playoff race. Adding Hopkins could give the offense enough of a boost to do without Aiyuk. Not to mention, Hopkins is a veteran who could bring that presence as well.
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