The San Francisco 49ers, in the middle of a tightening playoff race and a season defined by injuries, resiliency, and constant adjustments, have quietly made a move that could pay significant dividends down the stretch. On Tuesday, the team added former Patriots fourth-round pick Javon Baker to their practice squad — a transaction that didn’t dominate headlines but immediately sparked curiosity among fans and analysts tracking San Francisco’s late-season roster tweaks. With the organization always seeking ways to support Brock Purdy and maintain offensive depth, the arrival of a once high-upside prospect adds an intriguing layer to the team’s plans for the remainder of 2025.
Baker arrives in Santa Clara still just 23 years old, carrying both the pedigree and the untapped potential that once made him a mid-round favorite of the New England Patriots. Drafted 110th overall in 2024, the 6-foot-1, 202-pound receiver came into the league with a reputation for vertical burst and late-down playmaking — attributes the 49ers have always valued in complementary receivers. His collegiate résumé remains impressive: a breakout final season at UCF featuring 52 catches for 1,139 yards, an astonishing 21.9 yards per reception, and seven touchdowns. That kind of explosive production doesn’t simply vanish, even if his early NFL stops have been turbulent.
His rookie year in New England didn’t unfold the way scouts expected. Baker appeared in 11 games but caught just one pass for 12 yards, operating primarily as a depth piece while the Patriots cycled through quarterback inconsistency and offensive restructuring. He was released ahead of the 2025 season, later joining the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad for about two months before being waived in October. Still, his athletic traits and youth keep him firmly in the developmental pipeline — the exact type of low-risk, high-upside flyer San Francisco has quietly excelled at throughout Kyle Shanahan’s tenure.
Upon news of the signing, one team staffer shared privately that the 49ers see Baker as a “toolsy downfield option who fits what we do if he develops the way we think he can.” Another source noted the value in adding speed and size late in the year, explaining, “You’re always trying to prepare for every scenario — injuries, matchups, guys needing breathers. A player with Baker’s profile gives you options.” For a franchise that has mastered the art of layering its roster with developmental talent, the move reflects both foresight and strategic patience.
This addition is especially relevant given the status of San Francisco’s receiving corps. While Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings continue to anchor the passing game, the 49ers have navigated stretches of inconsistent health and availability at wide receiver throughout the season. With defenses selling out to limit Deebo Samuel and George Kittle in high-leverage situations, Purdy has increasingly needed vertical threats capable of stretching the field. Baker may not be ready to contribute immediately, but should injuries arise or matchups demand a different skill set, the door is open for him to fight his way onto the active roster.
Beyond the immediate implications, the signing also hints at future planning. The 49ers will face difficult financial decisions in 2026 as they balance contract extensions, veteran restructures, and potential departures. Adding a young receiver with raw athletic upside now allows the team to evaluate him in live practice settings for months before determining whether he merits a long-term role. If he clicks in Shanahan’s timing-based offense — a system known for maximizing receivers who can separate downfield — Baker could position himself as a cost-effective contributor heading into next season.
For now, Baker’s path is straightforward: learn the scheme, acclimate to the staff’s expectations, and demonstrate that the playmaking ability he showed at UCF can translate to NFL speed. His opportunity may begin quietly, but teams chasing championships often rely on depth players who seize their moment late in the year. As Purdy continues guiding the 49ers toward another postseason push, the front office is ensuring that unexpected reinforcements are waiting in the wings.
Whether Baker ultimately sees the field in 2025 remains uncertain. But the 49ers’ belief in his potential — combined with Shanahan’s track record of developing overlooked talent — makes this one of the most intriguing under-the-radar additions of the season. And if the young wideout can flash even hints of the big-play electricity that defined his college career, this move could be remembered not merely as a practice-squad signing, but as the first step of a late-blooming breakout.
