Earlier this week, Washington wide receiver Pierre Garcon posted on Instagram that he was looking for work. Garcon will enter free agency coming off a solid 2016 season, and while he will turn 31 in August, by all accounts he still has something left in the tank.
The best season of his career came in 2013 during Kyle Shanahan’s final season as offensive coordinator. He finished the season with 113 receptions, 1,346 yards, and five touchdowns. I don’t know that the 49ers will invest in a wide receiver over 30, but if they do want to bring in a veteran presence, it would make some sense.
It was a fitting bit of timing then that NFL.com posted the NFC version of their “A fun player” series. In a case of great minds thinking alike, they suggested Garcon to the 49ers as the fun addition for John Lynch and Kyle Shanahn.
New Niners coach Kyle Shanahan found success bringing ex-players like Alex Mack and Taylor Gabriel with him to his offensive-coordinator gig in Atlanta. While there aren't many intriguing Falcons to grab in free agency, Garcon fits the bill as a dependable veteran who knows Shanahan's system from their days together in Washington. Garcon and Torrey Smith would comprise a solid starting duo for the 49ers' quarterback-to-be-named-later.
The 49ers moves in free agency at wide receiver could give us a hint at what they might have planned for the draft. If they sign someone like Pierre Garcon, they would still need young receiver help, but would such a pick happen in round one or two? On the other hand, if they do not sign a notable receiver in free agency, does it hint at a potential first or second round pick on a wide receiver?