49ers Seek Free Agent Wide Receivers to Boost Offense

Brock Purdy needs new targets as 49ers look to add speed to passing attack

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to be active in free agency this offseason as they look to bolster their receiving corps and provide second-year quarterback Brock Purdy with more weapons. While the team may not make a big splash, they are in need of an infusion of speed to keep defenses from focusing too heavily on star receiver Christian McCaffrey.

Why it matters

The 49ers' passing attack struggled at times last season, and adding new receiving threats could help open up the offense and take pressure off McCaffrey. Finding the right free agent fit will be crucial as the team looks to build on its playoff appearance and compete for a Super Bowl.

The details

The 49ers have several top wide receivers set to hit the open market, including JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jakobi Meyers, and Allen Lazard. The team will likely target players who can stretch the field vertically and complement McCaffrey's skill set in the short and intermediate passing game.

  • The 49ers' 2023 season ended with a playoff loss on January 21, 2024.
  • The NFL free agency period opens on March 15, 2024.

The players

Brock Purdy

The 49ers' second-year starting quarterback, who took over the job midway through the 2023 season and led the team to the playoffs.

Christian McCaffrey

The 49ers' star running back and one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the NFL.

JuJu Smith-Schuster

A top free agent wide receiver who played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023.

Jakobi Meyers

A free agent wide receiver who had a breakout season for the New England Patriots in 2023.

Allen Lazard

A free agent wide receiver who played for the Green Bay Packers in 2023 and is known for his size and physicality.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The 49ers need to add some speed and playmaking ability to their receiving corps to keep defenses honest and take pressure off Christian McCaffrey.”

— Analyst (The Mercury News)

“Brock Purdy showed a lot of promise last season, but he'll need more weapons around him to take the next step in his development.”

— NFL Scout (The Mercury News)

What’s next

The 49ers will likely meet with several top free agent wide receivers in the coming weeks as they look to finalize their roster for the 2024 season.

The takeaway

The 49ers' success in free agency will be crucial as they look to build on their playoff appearance and contend for a Super Bowl in 2024. Adding the right mix of speed and playmaking ability to their receiving corps could be the difference-maker for their offense.