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49ers Need a No. 1 WR: Lesson from NFC Championship
27 Jan
Summary
- NFC Championship highlighted the 49ers' need for a dominant wide receiver.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua showcase elite receiver impact.
- 49ers must acquire a top receiver via trade, not just draft or free agency.

The recent NFC Championship game provided a crucial lesson for the San Francisco 49ers regarding their wide receiver position. Witnessing the impact of receivers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the Seahawks and Puka Nacua for the Rams highlighted the 49ers' own deficiency. These standout players demonstrably open up offenses and are vital in high-pressure situations against strong defenses.
The 49ers previously aimed for a top receiver with Brandon Aiyuk, but that situation evolved. Their subsequent focus on Ricky Pearsall, who showed flashes of skill in limited games, revealed him to be more of a No. 2 option rather than a dominant lead receiver, especially considering his injury history.
To compete at the highest level, the 49ers must secure a premier wide receiver. Relying solely on scheme is insufficient when facing elite defenses. The article suggests that acquiring such talent will likely require a trade, as viable options in free agency are scarce and the draft may not present a clear dominant player.




