Free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis visits San Francisco 49ers, described as ‘perfect fit’ by former player

Former 49ers lineman Jon Feliciano endorses Gabe Davis in San Francisco

Count former 49ers and New York Giants offensive lineman Jon Feliciano as in favour of the move.

As early as last week, Feliciano used his X/Twitter account to bluntly endorse Davis, calling him a ‘perfect fit’:

Feliciano has some history with both sides of this story, having spent three years with the Buffalo Bills between 2019 and 2021, crossing paths with Davis in the latter two.

The 2021 postseason, shared by Davis and Feliciano, doubled as Gabe Davis‘s coming-out party in the NFL, as he recorded 10 catches in two postseason games for five touchdowns, which helped him become a regular starter the following year.

Feliciano remained no stranger to the playoffs himself. After moving to San Francisco on a one-year deal after a spell with the New York Giants, he was a key part of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive line in San Francisco in 2023. He would start seven games in the regular season and all three playoff games, including the team’s Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at right guard.

Where Gabe Davis may fit in San Francisco

While ‘perfect fit’ could be something of a stretch, there’s no denying there’s an opportunity for a veteran receiver in San Francisco.

Jauan Jennings is the sole veteran incumbent coming off a solid season, as Brandon Aiyuk is rehabbing an ACL injury sustained midway through last season. Outside of Jennings, it’s mostly unproven or rookie talent, with the likes of last year’s first-round pick Ricky Pearsall and fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing vying for spots in the lineup.

The team also added versatile Ole Miss receiver Jordan Watkins in the recent NFL Draft, as well as veteran former Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams receiver Demarcus Robinson, although he is reputed to be facing a suspension under the league’s personal conduct policy, and could miss the start of the season.

Considering this, and the loss of Deebo Samuel via trade to the Washington Commanders, the 49ers may well decide another veteran option could be prudent to have around Brock Purdy. If so, Davis could be a fit not just on the roster, but to gain some playing time very quickly.