The San Francisco 49ers are 3-4 and have lost Brandon Aiyuk to a season-ending knee injury. The team has also not seen Christian McCaffery take the field yet.
While predicting trade deadline deals, USA Today’s Cory Woodroof predicted the 49ers will make this trade to bring three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins to San Francisco from the Tennessee Titans:
“The 49ers losing Brandon Aiyuk to an ACL injury is a brutal blow for that offense. To help offset losing Aiyuk, San Francisco decides to send a mid-round 2025 draft pick to bring in Hopkins,” wrote Woodroof. “He’s the kind of wily veteran talent who could help keep the 49ers afloat on offense. Tennessee general manager Ran Carthon was hired out of San Francisco, which helps get a deal done here.”
Hopkins signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Titans in 2023. He will be a free agent after this season. Hopkins has not been the same player he was with the Houston Texans or the Arizona Cardinals. However, the Titans’ inconsistency at quarterback could be having a significant effect on his play.
Perhaps playing with Brock Purdy in Kyle Shanahan’s offense could get Hopkins back to the player he 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 boost to get by without Aiyuk. Not to mention, Hopkins is a veteran who could also bring that presence.