49ers Linked to Possible Blockbuster Trade to Help Brock Purdy
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL season as a potential contender. While they could be a contender, there is also a chance that they could miss the playoffs like they did last season.
No one knows what to expect from the 49ers.
Just two short years ago, San Francisco was in the Super Bowl. It lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, but the 49ers were expected to be back. Then, the 2024 season arrived.
Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers pass the ball against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers pass the ball against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
Photo byDue to a lot of injury issues and other facts as well, the team struggled. They missed the playoffs and went just 6-11 throughout the year.
Read more: Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Linked to AFC Trade Scenario
Throughout the 2025 NFL offseason, San Francisco lost quite a few talented players. One of those players was wide receiver Deebo Samuel. That has left a question mark for the 49ers at the wide receiver position.
Brandon Aiyuk is coming back this season, but is coming off of a torn ACL that he suffered last year. Ricky Pearsall is expected to take a step forward, but that isn't a guarantee. Jauan Jennings is dealing with an injury during training camp.
With that in mind, could the front office look to make a move to improve the position? How about a blockbuster trade for Washington Commanders star Terry McLaurin?
McLaurin has officially requested a trade for the Commanders. The two sides were unable to work out a new contract and he could be on the move.
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports has suggested that San Francisco could be an ideal landing spot for him if he is traded.
"The 49ers already gave the Commanders a starting wideout in Deebo Samuel. Now it might be time for Washington to repay the favor," Benjamin wrote.
"We highly doubt Adam Peters has any interest in supplying a fellow NFC contender with a premium wideout, but what if John Lynch is desperate for immediate Brock Purdy help, what with Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall battling recent or ongoing injuries? McLaurin would be a plug-and-play starter, and perhaps the Commanders could still get a quality veteran wideout, such as Jauan Jennings, as part of the move."
Read more: Vikings Teammate Sends Clear Message on JJ McCarthy
During the 2024 NFL season with Washington, McLaurin racked up 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns. He would immediately be Brock Purdy's number one target.
Giving Purdy as many good weapons as the 49ers can is always a wise decision. If McLaurin truly is on the trade block, John Lynch would be wise to pursue him.
Only time will tell if the Commanders will actually open to trading McLaurin. San Francisco is a team worth watching closely in the coming days as a potential suitor.
For more on the San Francisco 49ers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
31 minutes ago
- New York Post
NFLPA provides clarity on smelling salts in twist after league's ban
Smelling salts aren't going anywhere. After it was reported Tuesday that the NFL was banning salts ahead of the 2025-26 season, the NFL Players Association offered some additional clarification on the rule change, which will surely please the players. The ban was actually placed only on teams supplying the salts, but players will be allowed to use the salts if they provide them themselves. Advertisement 3 Rams defensive end Kobie Turner takes a sniff of smelling salt during a game against the Packers. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images 'We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out,' the NFLPA said in a message to players, according to an ESPN report on Wednesday. 'To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form. The NFL has confirmed this to us.' 3 Smelling salts lay on the sidelines during a game between the Colts and Steelers, AP Advertisement The league's original memo in which it announced the new prohibition of ammonia, which the salts contain, noted that the NFL's head, neck and spine committee made the recommendation for the ban based on the FDA's warning in 2024 about the negative effects of ammonia inhalants. The FDA's warning included 'the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion.' Smelling salts have long been used across numerous different sports as a stimulant for athletes, raising their awareness. 3 George Kittle expressed disappointment over the initial ban. AP Advertisement The clarification on the new rule saved many players from a world of disappointment. This includes 49ers tight end George Kittle, who crashed the set of NFL Network's 'Inside Training Camp' on Tuesday when he heard the original news. Advertisement 'I've been distraught all day,' Kittle said jokingly. 'I considered retirement. We've got to figure out a middle ground here, guys. Somebody help me out, somebody come up with a good idea. 'I miss those already.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
5 things to watch for during Week 1 of NFL preseason
5 things to watch for during Week 1 of NFL preseason | A to Z Sports NFL Newsletter originally appeared on A to Z Sports. SUBSCRIBE to our emails here. 5 things to watch for during Week 1 of NFL preseason The Hall of Fame Game notwithstanding, Week 1 of the NFL preseason begins on Thursday. We will get our first look at the 2025 NFL Draft class in game action, as well as free agents who changed teams during the offseason. Here are our top five things to watch for during this weekend's slate. Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter playing both sides of the ball: Hunter is one of the most hyped-up rookies in recent memory, thanks to his expected attempt to play both offense and defense. Jacksonville has listed him as a starting WR and a second-string CB on its depth chart. It will be interesting to see how the Jaguars' coaching staff manages his workload. How he performs at each position will likely dictate where he gets the most snaps. Debut of Titans QB Cam Ward: Tennessee used their No. 1 overall draft pick on Ward, committing to him as the future of the franchise. He's had his ups and downs throughout training camp, but how he performs in preseason will give us a more accurate look at his abilities. Equally as important as making good throws will be Ward's command of the offense, such as getting in and out of the huddle quickly, making sure guys are lined up properly, and reading defenses. QB Aaron Rodgers debut with Steelers: The longest saga of the offseason was the back-and-forth between Rodgers and Pittsburgh. The 21-year-veteran finally signed with the franchise, and expects this season to be his last. The big question surrounding Rodgers is whether or not he has enough left in the tank to lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl. We're a long way from that, but a positive start in his debut would ease some nerves. Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler compete for Saints starting QB role: New Orleans is not tipping its hand as to who has the advantage, and has even promoted Jake Haener as in the mix. Haener is likely a longshot, but Shough and Rattler seem to be on pretty even footing. Whoever plays best in their game on Sunday should get the upper hand, but the battle could last through all three preseason matchups. Ben Johnson leads new-look Bears offense: Johnson was the hot name in this year's head coaching cycle, and he is now paired up with 2024 No. 1 overall pick QB Caleb Williams. Chicago remodeled its offensive line, and added a couple of new rookie weapons in tight end Colston Loveland and WR Luther Burden III. The pressure will be on Johnson to succeed quickly and get the most out of Williams and the Bears' offense. ESPN purchases NFL Network — what to know The NFL and ESPN have announced a non-binding agreement that ESPN will acquire NFL Network and certain other media assets owned and controlled by the NFL, including RedZone and NFL Fantasy. In exchange, the NFL will receive a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN. More terms of the agreement: NFL Network will be owned and operated by ESPN and fully integrated into ESPN DTC. NFL RedZone will still be available on NFL+, but ESPN will distribute it on traditional television. NFL Fantasy Football will merge with ESPN Fantasy Football. ESPN's platforms will license an additional three NFL games per season to air on NFL Network. The NFL will continue to own and operate its retained media businesses such as NFL Films, NFL+, the NFL Podcast Network, the NFL FAST Channel, and the official sites for the league's 32 clubs. This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Vikings' QB J.J. McCarthy reveals his secret weapon
Vikings' QB J.J. McCarthy reveals his secret weapon originally appeared on The Sporting News J.J. McCarthy could've kept it to himself. The Minnesota Vikings' second-year quarterback, entering his first year as a starter, had a chance to hold in what he calls his "secret weapon." But asked about his mobility by reporters on Wednesday, McCarthy chose to be honest. Here's what he had to say, via ESPN: "I almost wish you didn't ask that because I want to keep that on the low. I think that's a huge part of my game. It's a weapon in this league. You kind of have to have it, with these edge rushers and the different pressure looks." MORE: Rams legend Aaron Donald hints at return from retirement to play with Micah Parsons McCarthy dove between a couple of defenders for a rushing touchdown during practice on Monday night. "There's a time and place really for me when I put a shoulder down or when I slide," McCarthy told ESPN. "And there's a lot more times when I'll be sliding. It's just adapting with the game, adapting to when the rush lanes are happening, how contained they are. But it's definitely a huge part of my game that I'll definitely utilize." Coming off a knee injury that kept him out of his rookie season, McCarthy wouldn't have shocked anyone if he was passive about moving around too much. It sounds like that won't be an issue, though. MORE: Dak Prescott had an NSFW reaction to Micah Parsons' trade request He was a decent runner at Michigan. As a sophomore, he had 306 yards on the ground with five TDs, and then it was 202 yards and three TDs as a junior (keeping in mind that collegiate sacks count as negative rushing yards). McCarthy was the 10th overall pick in 2024 but could only watch after his injury as Sam Darnold led a great Vikings season. The pressure is now on McCarthy to try and match or exceed that. If he's indeed able to use his athleticism to its full potential, that'll go a long way toward the Vikings reaching theirs. MORE NFL NEWS: Packers' Jordan Love nearly quit football when his dad died, but his mom got him through Lamar Jackson wants Ravens to be an unkindness The Bengals are taking a big Joe Burrow risk Browns have a 'messy' QB situation that Deshaun Watson can still make worse Wes Welker is the key to Commanders unlocking Deebo Samuel A.J. Brown reveals a wild reason he didn't play college football at Georgia
