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As the rumors surrounding Julio Jones heat up, and the talks of the 49ers potentially trading for him follow, San Francisco is exploring other avenues to bolster their wide receiver room.
Last week, the 49ers promptly waived veteran wide receiver Marqise Lee after signing him, and picked up former Broncos receiver Bennie Fowler instead. They continue to assess the very limited free agent market and are surely doing their due diligence on Jones. According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, one name they are monitoring is former Jacksonville Jaguars slot receiver Dede Westbrook.
Dede Westbrook (ACL) is expecting 2b fully cleared to participate in football activities by the 8-month mark, per source. He incurred the injury Oct. 25th last season, had surgery in Nov. There's been preliminary communication b/w Westbrook & the #49ers not too long ago as well.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 24, 2021
Westbrook, who will turn 28 in November, is currently recovering from a torn ACL, which he suffered on October 25. The report describes his talks with the 49ers as “preliminary communication,” which indicates that he’s still in the process of recovery and a signing is probably not imminent. Even if/when he is signed, it would not preclude a potential move for Jones.
He was drafted by Jacksonville in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and had two very productive seasons in his second and third years, catching 66 passes in each year, for 717 yards and 5 touchdowns and 660 yards and 3 touchdowns, respectively. The overwhelming majority of his snaps have come in the slot, where the 49ers have a need after the departure of Kendrick Bourne.
