Less than a week after he was released by the Jaguars, veteran wide receiver Gabriel Davis visited the 49ers, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
Davis arrived in Jacksonville last offseason on a three-year, $39MM deal, but struggled to make an impact before tearing his meniscus in November. He underwent season-ending surgery, but is expected to complete his recovery in time for the 2025 season, per Schultz.
Wide receiver isn’t a significant roster need for the 49ers, but they did trade Deebo Samuel this offseason and Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from a significant knee injury sustained in October. He’s unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, leaving veteran Jauan Jennings and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall as San Francisco’s top wideouts heading into the summer.
The 49ers have reason to be confident in that duo. Jennings stepped into a bigger role after Aiyuk’s injury and broke out with 975 receiving yards, more than double his production from his first three seasons. Pearsall’s rookie year was stunted by a gunshot wound during an attempted robbery, but he showed promise at the end of the season. Behind them are 2024 fourth-rounder Jacob Cowing and veteran Demarcus Robinson, the latter of whom signed in San Francisco on a two-year deal in free agency. The 49ers also used Day 3 picks Jordan Watkins (fourth round, No. 138) and Junior Bergen (seventh round, No. 252).
Still, Jennings and Robinson are the only healthy and proven receivers currently on the roster. Though Davis disappointed in his debut year in Jacksonville, he established himself as a deep threat in his previous four seasons in Buffalo. He can line up on the outside and free the 49ers’ more dynamic receivers to play out of the slot if he beats out fellow veteran receivers Isaiah Hodgins, Russell Gage, and Trent Taylor for a roster spot.
However, Davis’ significant statistical regression with the Jaguars (compared to his time with the Bills) will likely force him to take a one-year, ‘prove-it’ deal with his next team, whether that be the 49ers or another club.