Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice was a long-time advocate of his former team trading for All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown. He did end up with one of Rice's former teams, just not the one for which he was pushing.
The San Francisco 49ers did add a receiver in free agency, though. They brought in Jordan Matthews, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, on a one-year deal, and he's someone with whom Rice is very familiar. Matthews' mother is Rice's first cousin.
Matthews grew up a fan of the 49ers, mostly because of Rice. Below is a photo of a young Matthews with the NFL legend.
Some things are just meant to be! #Niners pic.twitter.com/Gh9dfBpo3q
— Jordan Matthews (@jmattjmattjmatt) March 15, 2019
Rice joined 95.7 The Game on Friday morning and discussed the 49ers adding his first cousin once removed.
"His qualities are he's going to get open, he's going to catch the ball, and also, he's a blocker down the field," Rice said. "He's one of those blue collar workers that's going to get in there and grind. He's going to make those difficult catches, and I'm sure he's excited about his opportunity here in San Francisco.
"But the last couple of years, he's been around I think about 50 receptions, over 500-something yards, and about three touchdowns, so I'm sure he's looking for more opportunities here in San Francisco."
Quick fact check: Matthews has registered 45 receptions for 582 yards with three touchdowns over the past two seasons. Well done, Jerry.
Rice added that he might be willing to allow Matthews to wear his No. 80 should Matthews and the team want that to happen, but it is unlikely the 49ers will allow that. The team officially retired Rice's number in 2010, but no one has worn it in a game since he departed the 49ers after the 2000 season.
Matthews wore No. 87 during his one season with the Buffalo Bills. That's not going to happen in San Francisco. He wore No. 81 during his first stint with Philadelphia. Trent Taylor currently wears that number.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Rice below. He also discussed the Brown-to-Raiders deal, the Cleveland Browns' trade for Odell Beckham Jr., quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo potentially having a great season, wide receiver Dante Pettis entering his second season, and more.
