“Purdy’s the future. Period.” That’s been the message coming out of the 49ers’ camp ever since speculation swirled around a possible $265 million extension for their breakout quarterback, Brock Purdy. But while the franchise appears to be locking in its long-term signal caller, questions remain about who he’ll be throwing to—especially if Deebo Samuel isn’t part of the equation for much longer.

For months now, San Francisco 49ers’ receiving corps has carried a mix of excitement and instability. Brandon Aiyuk’s stellar 2023 campaign raised expectations, but he’s currently dealing with an injury. Deebo Samuel’s role? Murky at best, especially with recurring trade rumors. Add to that WR Ronnie Bell Robinson expected to miss time early in the season, veteran WR Keenan Allen, now a free agent after parting ways with the Chargers, has quietly become one of the most intriguing options still on the market.

That might explain why, according to NFL Rumors on X, “The #49ers are expected to show interest in Keenan Allen with Robinson missing games to start season and Brandon Aiyuk working through an INJURY”, as injuries pile up and uncertainty grows. The post includes an image stating that Allen — one of the most productive and consistent wide receivers of the last decade — is still a free agent. With Robinson sidelined and Aiyuk working through physical issues, Allen could offer the steady presence Shanahan’s offense desperately needs.

Allen, who posted 1,243 receiving yards with the Chargers in 2023, was released earlier this offseason due to cap reasons. While age is a factor (he turns 33 this April), his crisp route-running and veteran IQ remain top-tier. More importantly, he fits the mold of a reliable safety net for Purdy, who’s coming off a breakout year and now looks to stabilize into a long-term leadership role. But discussing the decision to bring Allen to Chicago, Poles remarked, “I thought it was an absolute perfect fit. I don’t think there’s a better receiver in the league that can be better for a young quarterback in terms of understanding the NFL, timing, space, reading defenses.”

Although the 49ers are only just entering the conversation, Allen has already hinted at his preferences elsewhere. Earlier this offseason, Allen’s possible landing spots started to take shape when Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network reported that the veteran wideout had shown interest in playing, “He said he’d like to play in Los Angeles or Chicago, narrowing focus to three teams”. That likely includes a potential return to the Chargers or a move to the Rams, along with the Bears—where Allen had a brief stint in 2024. His openness to those destinations underlines just how selective he’s being as he weighs his next chapter.

Is Allen the missing piece to unlock Brock Purdy’s full potential?

The 49ers just made a huge call on their future, locking in Brock Purdy with a massive five-year, $265 million extension. With $181 million fully guaranteed, the contract places him among the NFL’s top-paid quarterbacks. It might sound like a lot, but after the season he just had, it’s not exactly surprising. Purdy threw for 3,864 yards with 20 touchdowns and a strong 67.9 QBR in 2024. The front office clearly sees him as their long-term guy, and with the way they’ve structured the deal, it gives them some cap breathing room while keeping their franchise QB in place.

That said, the 49ers’ offense isn’t all sunshine. Their wide receiver room has taken some heavy hits. Brandon Aiyuk went down with a torn ACL and MCL, cutting his 2024 season short after just seven games—a tough blow considering his 1,342-yard breakout in 2023. On the other side, Deebo Samuel couldn’t catch a break either, battling a list of injuries—calf, wrist, ribs, and even an oblique strain. With both guys either out or playing below 100%, Kyle Shanahan faces a pretty thin receiving depth chart heading into 2025.

In response, the 49ers are reportedly showing interest in veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, who is currently a free agent. His addition could provide the stability and experience needed in the receiving unit, especially with the current injuries. While there have been no official statements from head coach Kyle Shanahan or Purdy regarding Allen, the potential move suggests a strategic shift to support their newly extended quarterback.

As the 49ers look to solidify their roster ahead of the upcoming season, the possible acquisition of Allen raises questions about the team’s direction. Is this a temporary solution to injury woes, or does it signal a broader change in offensive strategy? Only time will tell how these decisions will impact the team’s pursuit of a Super Bowl title.