The San Francisco 49ers are clearly one of the best teams in the NFL this season and they have been doing it without their number one receiver in Michael Crabtree, getting many to speculate that the team could make a deal for Josh Gordon, Kenny Britt, Greg Little or Hakeem Nicks as his return looms before the deadline.
According to ESPN.com, Gordon is the most likely receiver to move, as the Cleveland Browns said last week they had standing offers for him, but they are likely holding out for a high pick, while Kenny Britt reportedly could be had for a lower price. The 49ers have the picks to make a move and while they already traded for Jon Baldwin before the season started, he hasn't done much and even with the return of Crabtree, the team could go for broke with a deal for Gordon. Having Crabtree and Gordon would complement each other since they are different sizes and styles of players and it could be a slight insurance policy for the 49ers, as Crabtree could not be quite himself when he returns. Gordon came into the season as the top option for the Browns offense and now he could be traded.
Last season Gordon had 50 catches for over 800 yards and showed off some explosive speed and this season he is fourth in receiving yards per game despite missing two games for a suspension and he has 32 catches for 582 yards and three touchdowns. Gordon is coming off of a big game with five catches for 132 yards and a touchdown and he has had at least 120 yards in two of his last three games. Gordon could be dealt by the deadline on Tuesdays and while the 49ers are one team that could make a move, there are others that could be looking as well.
The New York Giants likely will not be trading Hakeem Nicks, especially after winning their last two games to get back into the division race. Nicks has his contract coming up at the end of the season, but that doesn't mean they will just let him go in a trade for nothing just because of that. Nicks isn't having a great season, but he has been very productive and while the 49ers likely won't make this move, it has been something that is mentioned.
Greg Little is another receiver for the Browns that could get dealt as well and while he has not been as productive as Gordon, he could be a player that goes since he will be worth less than the other receiver. Little has 21 catches for 218 yards this season and could be a potential deal candidate. The Titans have been upset with Britt and there is a good chance that he will get dealt.
The 49ers are now 6-2 and second in the NFC West and the team has a bye week now and then have a tough stretch to finish the season. The team plays on the road against the New Orleans Saints after opening against the Panthers and then they will be on Monday night against the Washington Redskins on the road. The team also has an MNF game in Week 16 against the Falcons and also another matchup with the Seahawks that could decide the division.
