The start of the NFL season has been littered with injuries, and the San Francisco 49ers have not escaped the outbreak.
With star running back Christian McCaffrey already on injured reserve, the 49ers learned after Sunday's game that receiver Deebo Samuel, one of the best and most versatile offensive weapons in the league, will be out multiple weeks with a calf strain.
On the whole, the 49ers' situation could be worse. Both McCaffrey and Samuel should be back in plenty of time to ramp up before the playoffs, and the 49ers have the talent and regular-season pedigree to stay afloat in the meantime. But some extra offensive firepower never hurt.
Given that Jordan Mason has filled in admirably at running back, the 49ers could look to make a move for one more receiver. They could look across the country to the Big Apple for their target.
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox listed the 49ers as one of two "potential suitors" in a trade for New York Giants receiver Darius Slayton, who has been New York's top target at times during his six-year career.
"The San Francisco 49ers might want to kick the tires on Slayton now that they're set to be without receiver Deebo Samuel for the immediate future," Knox said. "Slayton could help San Francisco navigate an upcoming stretch that includes games against the Rams, Patriots, Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks."
Slayton, 27, hasn't wowed with his production since arriving in New York in 2019, but it's also awfully hard to blame him for the Giants' offensive issues. He's also steadily churned out 700-yard seasons, achieving that mark every year but 2021, when he missed four games.
Slayton carries a $7.95 million cap hit this season, and is an unrestricted free agent in 2025. With quarterback Brock Purdy scheduled to negotiate a massive contract extension after this season, the timing is right to add short-term payroll and go all-in on this season.
And if escaping New York unleashes a more dynamic version of the six-year veteran, the 49ers and Slayton could be a match made in heaven.
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