In a move that seeks to bolster their depth at the wide receiver position, the San Francisco 49ers have brought veteran wide receiver Robbie Chosen on board. Chosen, who recently wore the Miami Dolphins jersey, did not make any game appearances in the 2023 season. Despite that, his tenure in Miami saw him make a notable impact, catching four passes for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Robbie Chosen's career has been marked by stints with several teams across the NFL, including the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Arizona Cardinals. Now at 31 years of age, Chosen brings both experience and a veteran presence to the 49ers' roster. His most prolific season came in 2020 when he recorded over 1,000 yards, a milestone he hasn’t surpassed since, with his last 519-yard season also being in 2020.
According to an interview with NFL reporter Josina Anderson, Chosen expressed his excitement about joining the 49ers. "Blessed and thankful. Dream come true; more to become. This is an opportunity to be a part of greatness and go win a Super Bowl. There's greatness all around me here, from what's been done, what exists and will be the future," he shared. This optimism and sense of purpose underline Chosen's readiness to integrate into a team with high expectations.
Brandon Aiyuk's Contract Situation
The addition of Chosen comes amid the unresolved contract negotiations involving Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk, who has been "holding in" during training camp, is seeking a contract extension and has requested a trade. The standout wide receiver was named a second-team All-Pro in 2023, a year in which he amassed 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets. Moreover, Aiyuk has demonstrated consistent performance with over 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons.
Several teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and New England Patriots, have emerged as potential trade suitors for Aiyuk. However, no deal has been finalized, leaving his future with the 49ers uncertain. Should Aiyuk be traded, Robbie Chosen could see a more prominent role in the rotation behind key players like Deebo Samuel, along with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall.
Strategic Move for Stability
The signing of Robbie Chosen seems to align with the 49ers' strategic objectives of adding stability and veteran leadership amidst potential roster changes. While Chosen's recent statistics do not match Aiyuk's productivity, his seasoned experience in various teams could provide much-needed depth and resilience to the squad.
For the 49ers, this move encapsulates a forward-thinking approach, preparing for any eventualities arising from the ongoing contract situations and keeping their Super Bowl ambitions firmly in sight. Chosen’s gratitude and drive combined with the 49ers' established talent set the stage for what promises to be an intriguing season.