SANTA CLARA — Day 2 of free agency brought more injury-concern players to the 49ers. Yes, comeback stories are running rampant — and with a limp — but it’s a risk losing teams must take.
Before you send those get-well-soon cards to 4949 Marie P DeBartolo Way, let’s survey the pros and cons of the newest 49ers after already doing so Thursday with their initial moves:
Wide receiver Jordan Matthews
His 6-foot-3 frame served him well at the start of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles – eight touchdown catches in both 2014 and ’15 – and he could become the 49ers’ long-sought red-zone option. Matthews is a cousin of 49ers icon Jerry Rice through their Mississippi upbringings, but Matthews said the last time he sought serious advice was before the draft, when Rice advised him: “Everywhere you go, just tell yourself you’re the best person and supposed to be there.”
Rice said Friday of Matthews on 95.7 The Game: “It’s a good (signing). He’s going to get open, he’s going to catch the ball and he’s a blocker down field. He’s one of those blue-collar workers that will grind and make catches.”
Pros: Matthews, 26, said he’s healthy, training hard, doing yoga and all he can to play another 10 years. The 49ers only committed one year to him, so there’s minimal risk on their end. Aside from his link to Rice, Matthews has an in-house ally with Miles Austin, the 49ers new quality control coach who capped his playing career in 2015 with the Eagles while Matthews had his best season (85 catches, 997 yards). His versatility is a must in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Cons: Injuries spoiled Matthews’ past few seasons, as he got traded to the Bills in 2017 and released by the Patriots before last season, which he finished with on the Eagles. Those injured body parts: knee, ankle, chest, thumb and hamstring. He’s known as a sharp route runner and he’ll need to get up to speed quick to learn Shanahan’s demanding offense.
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Cornerback Jason Verrett
Three injury-wasted seasons with the Chargers haven’t crushed Verrett’s confidence or moxie. A Pro Bowler in his second season (2015), Verrett said: “I know I’m definitely a top corner in this league when I’m healthy. I’ve just got to prove it.” To start opposite Richard Sherman, Verrett has to beat out third-round picks from the past two drafts, Ahkello Witherspoon and Tarvarius Moore.
Pros: Verrett is embracing his one-year, prove-it deal rather than take offense to it. He’s familiar with the 49ers scheme that is similar to the Chargers’ tactics. He has five interceptions in 25 career games; 49ers cornerbacks had no interceptions last year.
Cons: For the second straight year, the 49ers have hired a cornerback coming off an Achilles tear, as Verrett hopes to replicate Richard Sherman’s mostly smooth return. Verrett has also dealt with shoulder and knee injuries, and he said he never had surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament issue in 2016.
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Linebacker David Mayo
After backing up one of the NFL’s premier linebackers in Luke Kuechly, Mayo leaves the Carolina Panthers to become a 49ers backup and special-teams players. His arrival on a two-year deal could help compensate for linebacker Brock Coyle’s injury-induced retirement. Capable backups are key as newcomer Kwon Alexander recovers from an ACL.
Pros: Mayo likes how he fits with what he called the 49ers “aggressive” and “smart” philosophies on defense and special teams. When he broke in with the Panthers, he was schooled by one of the best, Bruce DeHaven, a special-teams maestro who once coached the 49ers special teams and ultimately passed away from cancer in 2016. “I love him,” Mayo said. “His whole thing was sticking to the game plan and assignments.”
Cons: He is just over two months removed from sports-hernia surgery. He said his rehabilitation is going well, his injury is healing “just fine” and he’s not concerned. So goes the theme of the 49ers 2019 free agency.
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Re-signed
Running back Raheem Mostert (three-year deal): After being tendered a one-year deal as a restricted free agent, Mostert drew interest on the market before agreeing Friday to re-sign on a three-year contract.
Outside linebacker Mark Nzeocha (three-year deal): From starting at strong-side linebacker to nearly going to the Pro Bowl for his special-teams acumen, Nzeocha returns to the 49ers after a two-year stint.
Safety Antone Exum (one-year deal): He accounted for half the 49ers’ interceptions last season, and while that means he had only one, he did return it for a Week 3 touchdown at the Chargers. He helped fill in for an injury-ravaged safety corps, but he also drew three fines for unnecessary roughness, and he badly missed a tackle on a Seahawks touchdown in Week 15.
Linebacker Elijah Lee (one-year deal): Lee signed his $645,000 tender as an exclusive rights free agent, and, at 23, he is a promising linebacker. He made five starts last season, forced a fumble and recovered one. He’s on-call if Alexander isn’t ready.
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Released
Defensive end Cassius Marsh: His 5 1/2 sacks last season weren’t enough to convince the 49ers to bring him back on a $3.8 million salary. Marsh thanked the 49ers in a social-media post, and general manager John Lynch had mutually kind words upon the split.
Thanks for what you brought to the Niners @KingCash_7191 and best to you moving forward. https://t.co/my1xioYbiL
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) March 15, 2019
