The San Francisco 49ers added to their wide receiver group via free agency with the signing of Jordan Matthews. The one-year deal will allow the team to evaluate his fit in the offense and decide down the road if he can fill a long-term role.
"I think he's gotten better each year in this league just studying him and I think his skill set adds something to our group," head coach Kyle Shanahan told team reporter Joe Fann on Tuesday. "He's a bigger receiver who has good hands, very smart receiver and he also can run."
Shanahan added that he saw improvement in Matthews toward the end of last season, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Hopefully, that improvement carries over to 2019.
While Matthews is a nice addition, the 49ers might not be done retooling the receiver group just yet, according to Shanahan.
#49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said when he watched tape of Jordan Matthews, he saw an improved player toward the end of last season. Matthews also got good reviews from new QC coach Miles Austin. Shanahan also said he "definitely" thinks team still needs to add more at receiver.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) March 26, 2019
"I want to continue adding at all positions and I definitely think we need to at receiver," Shanahan said via Matt Barrows of The Athletic.
That help could come via a free agent, a trade, or in next months' draft. San Francisco currently owns six selections, including the No. 2 overall pick. Of course, it is highly unlikely the team uses that first pick on a receiver.
One player who has gotten lost in the shuffle is Trent Taylor. Expectations were high for Taylor as he headed into his second season and following a strong rookie campaign. However, he was slowed by offseason back issues which impacted his 2018 campaign.
"He's healthy (now)," Shanahan said of Taylor. "He's going in the right direction, and he'll give himself a chance to be like his rookie year."
The addition of another wide receiver might push someone off the roster. In addition to Matthews and Taylor, the 49ers have last year's second-round pick, Dante Pettis, who, once healthy, impressed toward the end of his rookie season. There is also Marquise Goodwin, Kendrick Bourne, and 2018 seventh-round pick Richie James.
For years, the 49ers have lacked a legitimate number one receiver who could be a red-zone threat. They tried to make a run at Odell Beckham Jr., but the New York Giants' asking price was too high.
Adding another playmaker at wide receiver will do wonders to take some pressure off of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle. With just 10 wins during the past two seasons, Shanahan might welcome any help he can get.
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.
