On Thursday, the San Francisco 49ers added additional veteran talent to the team's roster when they signed former Carolina Panthers inside linebacker and special-teamer David Mayo to a two-year contract. News of the signing was first reported by Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area:
During his four NFL seasons with the Panthers, Mayo made the majority of his impact on special teams, where he played on punt and kickoff coverage and return units, compiling 326 special-teams snaps throughout his career. Mayo also filled in as a backup inside linebacker to both MIKE linebacker Luke Kuechly and WILL linebacker Thomas Davis.
Mayo started at WILL linebacker for the Panthers to begin the 2018 season, while Davis served a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. However, Mayo failed to impress during his extensive playing time, and was not viewed as a potential permanent replacement for Davis by the Panthers' coaching staff.
Instead, Carolina's front office chose to part ways with Mayo, despite Davis' plans to leave the team during the 2019 offseason. Davis signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this week.
The Panthers originally selected Mayo in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Mayo was the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 after he tied the Sun Belt Conference record with 154 tackles at middle linebacker for the Texas State Bobcats.
In order to make the 49ers' final roster, Mayo will need to excel on special teams and provide value as a backup inside linebacker. San Francisco has a full group at the linebacker position, but the team's recent release of backup LB Brock Coyle should provide Mayo with additional opportunities to prove his worth to his new team during the preseason.
You may have seen Chris Wilson's work on NFL game theory, statistical analysis, and film breakdowns at FanSided, Niner Noise, Locked on Sports, Insidethe49, ClutchPoints, and others. Follow Chris on Twitter @cgawilson.
49ers explored adding former 1st-round CB Damon Arnette
By David Bonilla
Jun 28
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the San Francisco 49ers were among several NFL teams that showed interest in cornerback Damon Arnette Jr., who recently relaunched his career with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL). Although Arnette ultimately signed...
Brock Purdy training with George Kittle and former 49ers QB
By David Bonilla
Jun 29
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had hoped to attend Tight End University last week, but a scheduling conflict arose due to a charity golf event. However, he's now back at work with star tight end George Kittle in Nashville, Tennessee, and the duo was joined by one...
Former 49ers teammate claps back at Brock Purdy critics
By David Bonilla
Jul 4
Former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, is the latest to come to Brock Purdy's defense. The quarterback continues to face criticism from skeptics who believe he's more a product of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive...
Jordan Watkins emerges as 49ers' offseason surprise; Former Niner draft pick impresses in Philly
By David Bonilla
Jun 30
ESPN's team of NFL reporters recently identified the biggest offseason surprises on each roster. For the San Francisco 49ers, that honor goes to one of their fourth-round draft picks.
Wide receiver Jordan Watkins has been turning heads during the limited practices open to the...