In breaking news today, the 49ers signed wide reciever Bryant Johnson to a one year deal. Johnson, a former first round pick, played at Arizona behind Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.
All in all, I think it's a great signing. But it does ask the question: "Now that the 49ers have so many wide receivers on the roster, who stays and who goes?"
Isaac Bruce and Darrell Jackson are pretty much locks for the team. Behind them, you have Arnaz Battle and now Bryant Johnson, both of whom might move to the outside in three or more wide receiver sets to allow for a shiftier player, perhaps a draftee, to move into the slot.
When you get to the 5th and potentially 6th wide receiver, though, things start to get a little crazy.
Jason Hill should beat out Ashley Lelie for a roster spot. Hill's youth, size and speed make him more desirable than a wide receiver who could not get on the field for the worst offense in the league. Hill has more upside than Lelie, something that will eventually nudge Hill above Lelie.
Previously the 49ers carried six receivers, but one of them was Michael Lewis, a return specialist who would never have seen the field unless some kind of catastrophe happened at wide receiver.
Allen Rossum, another free agent, is listed as a defensive back. This opens up the 6th wide receiver spot to be occupied by a true wide receiver, most likely a draft pick.
Ultimately, this is why the Johnson signing makes the most sense. Johnson is not viewed as a number one receiver by the 49ers. But a one year deal allows a later round pick a year to develop, and it gives players like Jason Hill to come into their own. Next year, if Johnson decides to leave, the 49ers are in a position to let the younger players step up, as opposed to having to force them on the field early.
In short, the Johnson signing is a stop-gap allowing the team to develop talent at the weakest position on the roster.