From Keenan Allen to Justin Jefferson: How Bold Will the 49ers Be?

The San Francisco 49ers will be staring at a major shift in their wide receiver room this offseason.

With multiple receivers set to hit free agency, including Jauan Jennings, there’s growing belief that at least one familiar face won’t be back. If Jennings walks, the 49ers lose a depth piece and reliability. They lose Brock Purdy’s most trusted third-down option.

So what’s the backup plan?

The obvious free-agent answer is Keenan Allen.

The former Los Angeles Chargers standout is set to hit the market again after a productive 2025 season. At 33 years old, Allen isn’t the explosive vertical threat he once was, but he remains one of the league’s most polished route runners. Last season, he posted 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns while playing in all 17 games. This is all proof there’s still plenty left in the tank.

More importantly, Allen excels in the exact area Jennings carved out his role: third down.

Jennings built a reputation as Purdy’s safety valve in critical moments. But statistically, Allen has been one of the most efficient third down receivers in football, hauling in a higher percentage of those key targets while handling a heavier workload. If San Francisco is looking to replace production and reliability rather than personality, Allen makes sense.

There’s also the Bay Area connection. Allen starred at Cal in college, and a return to Northern California could be appealing for both sides.

But here’s where the conversation gets more interesting.

Free agency may not be the only avenue.

There have been quiet rumblings around the league about potential trade reshuffling at quarterback and wide receiver. If San Francisco wants to think bigger than a one-year veteran solution, exploring a blockbuster involving Mac Jones and Justin Jefferson would reshape the offense entirely.

Jones has what it takes for a starting job and for Minnesota he would likely step in as the starter. The Vikings wouldn’t move a franchise cornerstone like Jefferson without securing a quarterback they believe can run the offense immediately. Trading Jefferson only makes sense if it’s part of a reset around a signal-caller and Jones would give them that bridge or competition option. See Sam Darnold as exhibit A of what back up quarterbacks coming out of San Francisco to revive their careers has turned into.

For the 49ers, however, Jefferson would be seismic.

Acquiring the Vikings superstar would instantly transform San Francisco’s passing attack into one of the most dangerous units in football. Pairing him with Christian McCaffrey would create matchup nightmares across the field. However, it would require significant draft capital and careful cap maneuvering.

Realistically, a veteran like Keenan Allen remains the cleaner and more financially practical solution if Jennings departs. He’s cost-effective, scheme-friendly, and proven in high-leverage moments.

But if the 49ers are feeling aggressive, trade calls involving names like Jefferson could redefine the direction of the franchise because replacing Jennings isn’t just about filling a roster spot, it’s about deciding how big San Francisco wants to swing.