There was hope that Quinton Patton would step up and become the San Francisco 49ers third wide receiver this past season, but the young player struggled as he dealt with an early season injury.
Regardless, despite a fantastic opportunity with the 49ers struggling to field competent wideouts, Patton was less than impressive which has now lead San Francisco to look for a third wide receiver.
"“I think it’s more somebody stepping up and being that next guy,” he added. “We’ve had a lot of people try, competing for that spot, whether it’s Quinton Patton, somebody step and be that next guy to make plays for our football team.”Harbaugh said the 49ers need “a third guy who can get open and make plays, another option for the quarterback to go to, a chance to attack all areas of the field. A playmaker. That’s what we’re looking for.”"
San Francisco has shown heavy interest in many free agent wide receivers this offseason, including Julian Edelman and Hakeem Nicks (and had reported trade interest in DeSean Jackson). But they’ve yet to find that player (at least at an affordable price), meaning the search will continue.