In a notable move to bolster their receiving corps, the San Francisco 49ers have added veteran wide receiver Robbie Chosen to their roster. Chosen, who last suited up for the Miami Dolphins, brings with him a wealth of experience and a track record of impactful plays, even though he did not see game action in the 2023 season.
Robbie Chosen's Mixed 2023 Season
Despite his absence from the field in 2023, Chosen managed to make a statement during his time with the Dolphins. He recorded four receptions totaling 126 yards and a touchdown. His previous affiliations include tenures with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Arizona Cardinals, making him a well-traveled and seasoned pro in the league.
At 31 years old, Chosen aims to revitalize his career with the 49ers, especially with his last standout season being back in 2020. That year, he achieved his only 1,000-yard season and surpassed 519 yards for the last time. This addition by San Francisco is a strategic move to incorporate stability and veteran leadership, particularly crucial amidst the ongoing contract saga with another key player, Brandon Aiyuk.
Potential Shift in the 49ers' Receiving Core
The 49ers' camp has been overshadowed by Aiyuk's "hold-in" during training camp, as he seeks a contract extension and has requested a trade. With no trade deal finalized yet, Aiyuk remains a critical piece of the team's offensive puzzle. His stellar performance in the 2023 season, where he secured 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets, earned him a second-team All-Pro nod. The future of Aiyuk, who has surpassed 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, remains a focal point of the 49ers' strategy as trade discussions continue with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and New England Patriots.
Chosen's Role on the 49ers
If Aiyuk eventually departs, Chosen could become a significant figure in the rotation alongside Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall. Although Chosen’s recent statistical output doesn't match Aiyuk’s, he provides valuable experience and leadership that could prove beneficial, particularly if the 49ers face substantial changes within their receiving unit.
Reflecting on his new opportunity with the 49ers, Chosen expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for joining a team with such a storied history of success. "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," Chosen told NFL reporter Josina Anderson.
As training camp progresses and the 2023 season looms on the horizon, the 49ers' move to integrate Chosen appears as a calculated step to ensure they remain competitive. Whether through stabilizing their existing lineup or preparing for potential shifts, the addition of Robbie Chosen is a testament to San Francisco's commitment to assembling a well-rounded team capable of challenging for a Super Bowl title.