The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs reportedly explored a potential trade for New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson before the Nov. 10 deadline. On Nov. 12, Rich Cimini reported that a deal was never a realistic possibility: Wilson did not want to leave, and the Jets were reluctant to part with one of their best players. Under contract through 2030, Wilson is viewed as a foundational piece of the team.
NBC Sports NFL insider Mike Florio questioned whether Wilson would truly have been opposed to a move. In a Nov. 12 video, Florio said he could imagine the receiver welcoming a fresh start with a contender such as the 7-1 49ers or the Chiefs. He also noted that California’s 13.3% state income tax could be a consideration for a player joining San Francisco, but argued that Wilson has not had the opportunity to play for a winning team.
## Why the Jets May Have Held on to Wilson
Florio suggested that job security may have influenced teams’ decisions not to trade away key players. Coaches and general managers facing pressure may be reluctant to weaken their rosters, since dealing away top talent could make it harder to keep their jobs the following season.
He pointed to the Jets and the Los Angeles Chargers as examples of teams that ultimately did not trade players at the deadline. A proposed deal involving Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley fell through, while the Jets made no trades.
## 49ers Prepare for Cowboys’ Wide Receivers
The 49ers’ defense is also preparing for a challenging matchup against the Dallas Cowboys’ receiving duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. On Nov. 12, San Francisco defensive coordinator Raheem Morris described Lamb as a high-volume target who frequently has the ball in his hands. Morris compared his role to that of other heavily targeted receivers, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua.
Morris also praised Pickens’ versatility and athletic ability, noting that he can make plays downfield and after the catch. He called the Cowboys’ receiving group difficult to defend and said he was looking forward to the matchup.
