The San Francisco 49ers have significant salary cap flexibility heading into 2025, with an estimated $45.7 million surplus—the second most in the NFL. However, much of that space is earmarked for the future now that quarterback Brock Purdy is among the league's highest-paid players.
Purdy will be missing one of his key playmakers when the 49ers open the season against the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is expected to start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for at least the first four games as he continues recovering from ACL and MCL injuries.
That leaves Jauan Jennings and second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall as San Francisco's Week 1 starters. CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin believes the 49ers' receiving corps could benefit from adding a veteran presence, and he doesn't think such a move would break the bank.
Benjamin named the 49ers among the five best fits for either Amari Cooper or Keenan Allen, along with the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
"The 49ers used the first waves of free agency to purge rather than collect big names, but neither Allen nor Cooper would likely cost a ton at this point of the offseason," Benjamin wrote. "Yes, San Francisco's wide receiver corps is theoretically set for the long term with both Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall in tow, but the former is still recovering from a serious injury, and Pearsall only has 11 NFL games under his belt."
After a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2024, Benjamin believes the 49ers could benefit from adding another proven weapon for Purdy—at least for one season.
"After securing Brock Purdy for the long haul, it's not hard to envision Kyle Shanahan wanting to give his young quarterback added insurance out wide, especially in the form of a proven route-running possession target like Allen or Cooper," Benjamin concluded.
Cooper is a five-time Pro Bowl selection, while Allen has earned six Pro Bowl nods over his career. Both players could provide another veteran presence and help bolster San Francisco's passing attack as the team looks to bounce back in 2025.