Wesley Grimes, an undrafted rookie wideout for the San Francisco 49ers, just snagged a three-year, $3.11 million contract, including a noteworthy $200,000 guaranteed. That kind of commitment for a UDFA is always a massive tell, especially when you consider it puts him 98th among 382 UDFA signings who received a guarantee this year. The Niners clearly see something special in the 22-year-old, and it definitely raises some eyebrows about who's staying and who's going in that receiver room.
Built for Speed and Shanahan's System
Grimes isn't your average undrafted guy. He looks the part, standing tall at 6'2" and weighing in at a solid 193 pounds. Compare that to fellow UDFA Will Pauling, who's a smaller 5'9", 183 pounds; Grimes just brings a different kind of presence. But it's not just the build. The dude flies. At North Carolina State's Pro Day, he clocked an blistering 4.35 40-yard dash and leaped for a 35" vertical. If you watched him play in college, his acceleration was absolutely on full display. This isn't a surprise, really. The 49ers really struggled in 2025 with wide receivers getting away from coverage, so speed was obviously a huge priority for their scouting department this time around. They needed someone who could blow past defenders, and Grimes definitely has that gear.
A Shanahan Receiver in the Making?
The 49ers aren't just bringing him in for the athleticism; his college tape hints at a perfect fit for their system. Grimes had an average depth of target of 12.9 yards at NC State and averaged just over five yards after the catch. He wasn't just catching short passes, either. He had a 20-yard reception in six separate games, and a good portion of his production came on in-breaking routes. Plus, he was super efficient on targets beyond 20 yards. That aggression he showed after the catch is something they can definitely use, especially if they can translate it into his blocking game too. With guys like Ricky Pearsall, Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, and Junior Bergen already on the roster, the Niners are looking at Grimes' height-weight-speed combo as a way to simulate opposing No. 1 wideouts on the practice squad. They've given Malik Turner, who just turned 30, plenty of opportunities on special teams or as a Jauan Jennings replacement, but it feels like the team is ready to move on from those "receivers from yesteryear." Grimes has an ideal baseline and some serious tools, tools the 49ers have actually lacked at the position in recent seasons.
So, what's next for Grimes? That $200,000 guaranteed money speaks volumes about the 49ers' belief in his potential. It also means there's a real financial stake for the team. If he doesn't make the roster, the 49ers would eat that dead money, though they'd save a solid $688,333 against the cap if he's released. But with his age and those raw tools, he's a prime candidate to be stashed on the practice squad and developed. The question now is, which established receiver on that 49ers roster is feeling the heat?
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.