The Seattle Seahawks have spent NFL Draft capital on wide receivers, which might be necessary with news veteran wideout Doug Baldwin could have played his final down at the pro level.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin has torched the San Francisco 49ers a few times over his eight-year career in the NFL ranks.
But according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, the two-time Pro Bowler might have played his last downs in the league:
Baldwin underwent a sports hernia surgery during the offseason, and there was a good chance that would keep him out of the beginning of the regular season in 2019. The Seahawks aren't slated to play the 49ers until Nov. 11, although it's looking like the Niners defense could be facing a Seahawks team without Baldwin.
Cornerback Richard Sherman is good friends with Baldwin, so that's something to keep an eye on as news of Baldwin's injuries develops. On top of that, Seattle's actions in the 2019 NFL Draft back up any would-be concerns the team has with Baldwin's immediate future. In Round 2, at No. 64 overall, the Seahawks landed one of the bigger NFL Scouting Combine standouts in Ole Miss' D.K. Metcalf. Not a polished route runner, Metcalf's straight-line speed and strength could prove to be problematic for San Francisco's secondary for quite some time.
Additionally, the Seahawks added West Virginia wide receiver Gary Jennings in Round 4, using the No. 120 overall pick.
With returning veteran Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks still will provide something of a potent passing display with quarterback Russell Wilson at the helm. This, despite Seattle leading the league in rushing last season.
For his sake, at least, let's hope Baldwin is able to return healthy enough to return. The 49ers-Seahawks rivalry wouldn't be quite the same without him.
Written By:
Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
All articles by Peter Panacy
@PeterPanacy
YouTube Channel
Peter Panacy
Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
All articles by Peter Panacy
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' George Kittle refutes report linking offseason absence to contract dispute
On Wednesday morning, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that, according to sources, tight end George Kittle's absence from the start of the San Francisco 49ers' offseason program is contract-related. Russini added that the two sides remain far apart in negotiations for a... -
Report: 49ers, Brock Purdy 'inching closer' toward top-10 contract
A report from The Athletic's Dianna Russini that linked George Kittle's absence from the start of the San Francisco 49ers' offseason program to a contract dispute was quickly refuted by the All-Pro tight end himself. Kittle took to social media, stating, "Your source is... -
Insider: Some progress in 49ers-Brock Purdy contract talks; Will George Kittle, Fred Warner report?
The San Francisco 49ers kick off their offseason program on Tuesday, just two days before the 2025 NFL Draft. Phase One of the program is limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation. Participation is voluntary in everything until the team's... -
Report: Brock Purdy joins 49ers for start of offseason program; George Kittle does not
The biggest question heading into the start of the San Francisco 49ers' offseason program on Tuesday has been answered: Would Brock Purdy show up amid ongoing contract extension talks? According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Purdy...