The San Francisco 49ers are looking for help wherever they can find it, and this week they turned to a familiar type of player. The team is signing former New England Patriots fourth round pick Javon Baker to the practice squad, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
It is the kind of low-risk flyer that fits the 49ers’ season. A battered roster. Constant reshuffling. Yet still sitting at 9-4 in what was supposed to be the year from hell.
Baker appeared in seven games as a rookie and finished with only one catch, but the Niners believe there is something worth exploring as they continue to patch together depth at wide receiver.
49ers Searching for Answers at Wide Receiver
The 49ers have been dealing with uncertainty at the position all season. Brandon Aiyuk has not played a snap and may not suit up for the team again. Younger receivers have taken turns in rotational roles, but consistency has been hard to find.
That reality has kept the front office busy. Baker worked out for San Francisco on December 1 in a group session with several other pass catchers. The staff liked what they saw enough to bring him back.
Baker, who starred at UCF, entered the league with traits that typically interest Kyle Shanahan. A 71st percentile wingspan. Willingness to block. Ability to win in-breaking routes. Competitiveness on screens. He created explosive plays in college on curls, posts and vertical shots, which fit the 49ers’ offensive structure.
The raw talent was there. The opportunity in New England wasn’t. He spent time on the Eagles’ practice squad before becoming available again.
Now he lands in Santa Clara with a clean slate.
Why the 49ers Made This Move Now
San Francisco has cycled through practice squad receivers all year. Injuries across the roster have made depth a weekly puzzle. Adding Baker gives them another developmental option who fits their style. Even if he does not see the field immediately, his blend of size, length and downfield ability gives the coaching staff something worth evaluating.
Recent roster changes opened the door. The 49ers released quarterback Adrian Martinez from the practice squad earlier this week, freeing up space. With the team trying to stabilize their depth at receiver, Baker became the next man up.
He is still a projection. The tape from UCF flashed upside. The early NFL results were uneven. But the Niners have found value in similar players before.
49ers Betting on Traits and Opportunity
For a team that has survived injury after injury to stay in the playoff race, taking a chance on a developmental receiver makes sense. San Francisco is piecing together solutions every week. Baker gives them another option to work with, another player who fits their scheme, and another chance to steal value on a low-cost signing.
It is his third opportunity in the league. It might be his best one yet.
Final Word
The 49ers need bodies and upside, and Baker offers both. Whether he sticks or simply provides a layer of depth will depend on how quickly he adapts to the system. With the offense fighting through constant change, there is a real opening for someone to earn a role.
For now, the Niners will take every lifeline they can get. Baker is the newest one.
49ers Make Surprising Move With New WR Signing