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
-
Report: 49ers aim to make Robert Saleh NFL's highest-paid DC; Nick Sorensen the front-runner for ST job
The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly eager to reunite with former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Speaking on The 49ers +/- Podcast with Tim Kawakami, insider Matt Barrows shared insight into the team's approach to their coordinator vacancies, highlighting how much the... -
Report: 49ers have discussed Pete Carroll as a potential DC option
The San Francisco 49ers could face a tough challenge if the Jacksonville Jaguars hire defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their new head coach. Saleh is scheduled for a second interview with the Jaguars on Friday, and Matt Barrows of The Athletic has described the 49ers'... -
Roger Goodell says 18-game NFL season is next 'logical step'
It's no secret that the NFL's ultimate goal is to extend the regular season to 18 games per team. The league's move from a 16-game schedule to 17 games in 2021 was likely just a stepping stone toward this inevitable shift, designed to maximize revenue opportunities for the... -
NFL insider drops hints about 49ers' coordinator searches
The San Francisco 49ers are deep into their search for a new special teams coordinator, having interviewed several candidates. Among them are Detroit Lions assistant special teams coordinator Jett Modkins, Denver Broncos assistant special teams coordinator Chris Banjo, and...