Anyone who has watched the San Francisco 49ers over the last couple seasons can tell that quarterback Colin Kaepernick has regressed. Last season saw him throw for a career low 1,615 yards with just six touchdowns against five interceptions. San Fran finished with the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (207.3) last year. But with the arrival of Chip Kelly and his up-tempo system, optimism has returned to the Bay area. On paper, Kaepernick is a good fit for this offense, but he'll need some help in the passing game if he's going to resurrect his career in San Francisco.
Enter pending free agent Alshon Jeffery.
The Chicago Bears wide receiver likely won't be leaving the Windy City as general manager Ryan Pace can always slap him with the franchise tag if a long-term deal cannot be reached. But should Jeffery become available, ESPN insiders Vincent Verhei and Sterling Xie believe the Niners should pounce.
"Whoever is taking snaps in San Francisco needs a true No. 1 wide receiver," they wrote. "Last year's top 49ers receiver, Anquan Boldin, is a free agent who turns 36 this season. Torrey Smith is dangerous, but best used as a deep-ball specialist and not a top wideout.
"If (and it is a big if) the Bears let Jeffery hit free agency, San Francisco seems like a natural fit for the former second-rounder who just turned 26. Jeffery is one of 10 wide receivers to average at least 80 yards per game over the last three seasons, though he sat out seven games last season because of calf, hamstring and groin injuries. Should Chicago decide that Jeffery's health makes him too risky for a long-term investment, the 49ers should jump at the chance to sign or draft a weapon like this."
In nine outings last season, Jeffery still managed to average six catches and 90 receiving yards per game despite uneven health. In 2014, he caught 85 passes for 1,133 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games.
At 6-foot-3 and 216 pounds, Jeffery has the requisite size and speed of a true blue No. 1 receiver. He would fill an immediate need for San Francisco while making Kaepernick's life easier.
