The signing comes after head coach Kyle Shanahan informed reporters that tight end MyCole Pruitt is expected to "be out for a little bit" due to a calf injury.
This will be Matthews' third stint with the 49ers. His previous two came between 2019-20. Matthews has worked this offseason to transition from wide receiver to tight end, including training with George Kittle and Robert Tonyan of the Green Bay Packers in Nashville, Tennessee.
Matthews was also among the many attendees at Tight End University in Nashville, which was hosted by Kittle, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, and former NFL tight end Greg Olsen.
Earlier this month, NFL Network's Ian Rapport reported that Matthews had added over 15 pounds as part of the transition. The tight end was listed at 235 pounds on the roster of attendees during a free-agent tryout put on by HUB Football in San Diego.
Matthews worked out for the New York Jets this week.
Not only is Matthews familiar with the 49ers coaching staff and system, he has already caught passes from rookie quarterback Trey Lance. Matthews joined head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch in Fargo, North Dakota before the draft, serving as a target during Lance's second pro day.
Matthews, a second-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014, has compiled 274 catches for 3,288 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns in his seven NFL seasons.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: More two TE sets with Jake Tonges? Will Trent Williams play Saturday? What are the rules for signing players from teams not in postseason?
This is a big week for the San Francisco 49ers as they prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night. The winner of the game will be crowned NFC West Champions and will have home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. So it's a huge game. For the 49ers, it's... -
49ers vs. Seahawks injury report: 4 players miss Tuesday's practice
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 18 contest against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams typically receive rest days during the first practice of the... -
49ers vs. Seahawks injury report: 2 players miss Wednesday's practice
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 18 contest against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Tight end George Kittle practiced for the second straight day as he works back from a low-ankle sprain that sidelined him... -
49ers vs. Seahawks final injury report: Trent Williams, George Kittle, 3 others questionable to play
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 18 contest against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Both teams have released their official injury reports, which are provided below. San Francisco 49ers Questionable TE George...