Wide receiver-depleted 49ers trade for Chiefs' underperforming Skyy Moore
With their wide receiver corps weakened by injuries and a pending suspension, the 49ers hope they bolstered the spot by adding a 2022 second-round pick who has yet to realize expectations. The 49ers traded a 2027 sixth-round pick and received a 2027 seventh-rounder in exchange. The trade won't be official until Moore passes a physical.
After trading speedy All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins three years ago, the Chiefs selected Moore 54th overall to replace their decorated vertical threat. But that never happened. Moore, who ran a 4.41-second 40 before he was drafted, had 43 catches for 494 yards and one touchdown in 36 games with Kansas City. Last year, he didn't have a catch while playing 82 offensive snaps in the first six games before his season ended due to a core muscle injury.
The 49ers have been in the market for a wideout. Last week, they were reportedly the other team involved in serious talks for Texans wide receiver John Metchie, who was traded to the Eagles. General manager John Lynch has been working the phones because the 49ers' wideout corps is in flux.
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All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is not expected to be ready to return until Week 6 at the earliest, rookie fourth-round pick Jordan Watkins (ankle) may not be ready for the start of the season and Jacob Cowing suffered a hamstring injury in Tuesday's practice after missing most of training camp with the same injury.
Meanwhile, Demarcus Robinson has been suspended by the NFL for the first three games for a DUI arrest, although he's appealed the penalty. In addition, Jauan Jennings, who led the team's wideouts with 77 catches and 975 yards last year, hasn't practiced since July 27 due to a calf injury.
Jennings' desire for a contract extension on the heels of his breakout season has raised questions about the severity of his injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has said an MRI has confirmed Jennings is dealing with a calf issue, an ailment that also sidelined him for part of last year's training camp.
Shanahan has not provided a timeline for Jennings' return. He said Tuesday that it was an important for Jennings to resume practicing in the near future with the regular-season opener at Seattle looming on Sept. 7.
'Yeah, any player, not just Jauan — but people need to practice,' Shanahan said. 'They need to get ready to play an NFL season or you end up getting hurt. So, hopefully, he can get his health back so he can get that out there and start practicing.'
The 49ers' top wide receivers who are currently healthy and available for Week 1 are Ricky Pearsall, a 2024 first-round pick, and, perhaps, Russell Gage, who hasn't played a regular-season snap since he suffered a torn patella tendon in August 2023.
The 49ers hope Moore can strengthen the spot despite his modest resume. Moore's career highlight came during his rookie season when he caught a 4-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of a 38-35 win over the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.
This summer, Moore has no catches on three targets while playing 46 snaps in two preseason games. Moore had an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown Friday in a loss at Seattle. In his career, Moore has 14 returns for 86 yards, with all his runbacks coming as a rookie.
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