In a move aimed at addressing the challenges within their wide receiver lineup, the San Francisco 49ers have traded for speedster Skyy Moore from the Kansas City Chiefs. The news, reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, comes on the heels of disappointing updates regarding the team's current receivers. The trade cost the 49ers a swap of sixth- and seventh-round draft picks, a minimal investment for a player who could significantly impact their season.
As he approaches his 25th birthday next month, Moore is entering the final year of his rookie contract, with a reasonable base salary of just $1.5 million for the 2025 season. This acquisition could provide the 49ers with the much-needed depth at the wide receiver position, especially given the recent injury woes plaguing the team.
Earlier this week, head coach Kyle Shanahan disclosed on KNBR that second-year wideout Jacob Cowing missed practice due to a recurrence of a hamstring injury. Cowing, who initially sustained this injury during warmups at the start of training camp, has been sidelined for most practices, further complicating the 49ers' receiver situation.
In addition to Cowing's injury, the 49ers face another setback as veteran wideout Demarcus Robinson has been suspended for three games due to a no-contest plea to a DUI charge. While the team hopes that the appeals process could reduce the suspension, they are preparing for Robinson's absence, expecting him to return by September 28 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Other key players such as Jauan Jennings (dealing with calf and contract issues), Brandon Aiyuk (recovering from ACL and MCL tears), and Jordan Watkins (suffering from a high ankle sprain) also remain uncertain for the upcoming games. This leaves the 49ers potentially down six of their top seven receivers for the season opener against Seattle on September 7.
Although the 49ers are not acquiring Moore to replace Aiyuk in the primary X receiver role, Shanahan is looking for his speed to help alleviate pressure off the line of scrimmage. Moore's impressive 1.46-second 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash showcases his explosive burst, which could be invaluable for the team.
While Moore's career-high of 250 receiving yards as a rookie in 2022 indicates he may not be a top-end receiving talent, his addition could still prove beneficial for a beleaguered receiving corps. Additionally, Moore's special teams capabilities could enhance the team’s performance in that area. His ability to return kicks and punts could lead to a roster spot over rookie specialist Junior Bergen, who may find himself at risk if the 49ers need to make tough cuts before the August 26 deadline.
Skyy Moore's prowess as a return specialist was on full display just five days ago when he returned a punt for an 88-yard touchdown in a preseason game against Seattle. Throughout his three seasons with the Chiefs, his contributions have often come from special teams, including a pivotal 29-yard punt return during the 2022 AFC Championship Game that set up the game-winning field goal for Kansas City.
Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub praised Moore's growth, stating, “He’s solid. The other part: It’s a mental thing with him. It’s about getting over that hump. He’s definitely an NFL player.” This performance may have been a key factor in the 49ers' decision to trade for him, especially after they were outbid for another receiver, John Metchie III, by the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Skyy Moore now on their roster, the 49ers are not just looking to shore up their receiver position; they are also reinforcing their special teams. As the season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how this trade impacts the team's performance on both offense and special teams.
