Injuries plague the 49ers, but Javon Baker offers versatile route-running skills and high upside, a low-risk gamble for playoff depth.
In the midst of injuries and roster chaos, the San Francisco 49ers have added a fresh body to their wide receiver pool: former Patriots fourth-round pick Javon Baker. The move, signing him to the practice squad, is a classic low risk investment with potentially high upside as the 49ers push toward the playoffs.
Why Baker Makes Sense in San Francisco#
Baker’s path to the 49ers hadn’t been straightforward. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2024, he appeared only sporadically and recorded just one catch in seven rookie games. After bouncing around practice squads, he became available again. Hopefully this time his traits have finally found the right landing spot.
At UCF, Baker was extremely versatile. He had a strong wingspan, was willing to block, and excelled at route running, with impressive production on curls, posts, and vertical routes. That kind of profile falls squarely in line with the 49ers’ offense, which thrives on spacing, timing, and multi-dimensional receivers.
Given San Francisco’s need for depth everywhere, especially after injuries at receiver, adding Baker gives the coaching staff one more developmental option. Even if he doesn’t see the field immediately, he could become a diamond in the rough if he adapts quickly.
Filling the Gaps When Depth Is Tested#
This addition also comes at a convenient time. The 49ers recently released another player from the practice squad, opening up a spot. With the roster in flux Baker’s arrival helps stabilize the WR room.
While Baker remains a projection, an upside play but not yet a proven commodity, he gives the 49ers another chance to find value on a low-cost signing, much like they’ve done in the past. As one fan account put it, “from what I saw on his college film… his route running is very good,” giving reason for optimism even if his early NFL results were mixed.
What’s Next: The Long Road From Practice Squad to Game Day#
Baker now faces his biggest challenge in adapting to and learning Kyle Shanahan’s system. He’ll need to pick up the playbook quickly, refine his timing, and prove dependable in blocking and route execution. Given the 49ers’ history of turning under-the-radar receivers into contributors, the path is absolutely there and that has to be a promising feeling for Baker.
In a season defined by constant adjusting, the 49ers are hoping Baker becomes more than just another name on the depth chart. He could be a hidden asset or insurance. Either way, with the playoffs nearing, every option counts.
For now, the Niners are doing what they do best and hoping it pays off when it matters most.