The San Francisco 49ers are juggling a string of injuries to their wide receivers during training camp, with Brandon Aiyuk on the physically unable to perform list and Jauan Jennings, Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins, and Russell Gage all dealing with issues. In a bid to bolster depth, San Francisco pulled off a trade this week, acquiring wide receiver Skyy Moore and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick.
Moore, 24, starred at Western Michigan from 2019-21, totaling 171 receptions for 2,482 yards and 15 touchdowns in 30 games. Those college performances earned him All-MAC honors three times and helped Kansas City select him in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft at No. 54 overall. In three NFL seasons, Moore has appeared in 36 games, catching 43 passes for 494 yards and one touchdown. He’s also contributed on special teams, averaging 6.1 yards on 14 punt returns and 18.6 yards on five kickoff returns.
Why target Moore? 49ers general manager John Lynch explained the move on KNBR’s Murph and Markus show, saying Moore is a talented player who likely needed a change in environment. The timing gave San Francisco a chance to assess him early in the season. Lynch noted that Moore brings value as a dual returner, capable of handling both punt and kickoff returns. With Jacob Cowing unavailable, that return ability becomes even more important, and the 49ers believe there’s substantial untapped potential in the former high-round pick, whose career has been scrutinized after entering the league as a top-60 selection.
The trade also comes amid a suspension that will sideline Demarcus Robinson for the first three games of the year. San Francisco signed Robinson this offseason, but the NFL’s suspension opens up a clear path for Moore to carve out an early role, especially on special teams while the receiving corps works to get healthy.
Lynch and the 49ers’ coaching staff are hopeful that a change of scenery can unlock Moore’s upside and give them an additional trusted option as Brock Purdy and the offense work to build chemistry in a crowded, competitive slate. The move signals a clear emphasis on depth, versatility, and youth at a position that’s been stretched by injuries this preseason.
What to watch next:
– Moore’s role once healthy bodies return to full speed, especially in special teams and as a depth option at wide receiver.
– How the 49ers’ receiving corps shakes out behind Aiyuk and Jennings once everyone is back in action.
– Early-season impact in three games without Robinson, and whether Moore can contribute as a returner and option in the passing game.
Bottom line, San Francisco acted to bolster a thin wide receiver group with a longer-term asset who could grow into a meaningful contributor under Kyle Shanahan and alongside Brock Purdy, while also giving themselves flexibility on special teams. The move underlines the team’s focus on depth and development as training camp progresses.