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The Bears have made wide receiver Anthony Miller available via trade. NFL Media’s Ian Rapaport reported that several teams were involved in trying to make a deal happen. If the 49ers aren’t one of those clubs, they should be.
Miller was a second-round pick out of Memphis by the Bears in the 2018 draft. He posted a strong rookie campaign with 33 receptions for 423 yards and seven touchdowns. In Year 2 he jumped to 52 catches for 656 yards and two scores. His third season was productive as well with 49 receptions, 485 yards and two touchdowns.
San Francisco need a third receiver after Kendrick Bourne’s departure, and an established veteran slot receiver like Miller would be a perfect replacement. If the 49ers were already going to use a draft pick on a receiver, finding a player who’s already been productive in the NFL makes a lot of sense.
Miller and Bourne were essentially the same player from a production standpoint over the last three years. Bourne posted 1,512 yards and 11 touchdowns on 121 receptions. Miller tallied 1,564 yards and 11 touchdowns on 134 receptions.
The 49ers shouldn’t aim to move premium capital for Miller given that he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal. However, if he can be had for a couple of later picks, he’d give the 49ers a strong answer to one of their offense’s big questions going into the season.