49ers and Titans predicted to make significant trade at the deadline

The San Francisco 49ers have been devastated by injuries on the offensive side of the ball this season, and that has especially been true at the wide receiver position of late. But could the Tennessee Titans offer the reigning NFC champs some help?

The Niners have lost Brandon Aiyuk for the season, Deebo Samuel came down with a form of pneumonia but was thankfully released from the hospital, Jauan Jennings is banged-up, and Ricky Pearsall is still getting acclimated after he returned from injury this week.

If San Francisco wants to beef up its wide receiver corps., the team might want to give the Titans a call about wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who should be available at the NFL trade deadline.

And that’s exactly what For The Win’s Cory Woodroof is predicting the 49ers will do. Here’s what he said about his prediction:

“The 49ers losing Brandon Aiyuk to an ACL injury is a brutal blow for that offense,” he wrote. “To help offset losing Aiyuk, San Francisco decides to send a mid-round 2025 draft pick to bring in Hopkins. He’s the kind of wily veteran talent who could help keep the 49ers afloat on offense. Tennessee general manager Ran Carthon was hired out of San Francisco, which helps get a deal done here.”

While Hopkins has expressed his desire to stay in Tennessee despite the team being a total dumpster fire, the Titans would be foolish not to deal him. After all, Tennessee is 1-5 and Hopkins is 32 and on the final year of his deal.

The five-time Pro Bowler, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season in 2023, is having a down year, but that’s not his fault. The Titans’ offense is a mess, especially because of quarterback Will Levis.

There’s no question that Hopkins would provide a boost to the Niners’ offense, and he wouldn’t cost a ton, as a fourth-round pick will probably be enough to get it done because of Hopkins’ age and contract status.

However, the Niners do have a solid backup in Jauan Jennings, and if they believe in Pearsall enough, San Francisco may opt to roll with their in-house options, or at least target a smaller deal to add depth.