The San Francisco 49ers appear focused on adding speed to their wide receiver group with their recent signings. While it's too early to know if any of these new additions will make the final 53-man roster, the moves suggest a subtle shift in roster philosophy—at least in the receiver room.

Andy Isabella, who recorded a 4.31-second 40-yard dash at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, and veteran Robbie Chosen, known for his speed and deep-threat ability, are among the latest 49ers signings.


On Monday, one reporter asked head coach Kyle Shanahan whether the team is making a strategic shift after ranking 32nd in wide receiver separation last season.

"No, we just try to get the best available," Shanahan said. "Sometimes that's the fastest guy available. Sometimes it's the biggest, strongest, whatever it is. You try to always have 12 guys in training camp, and we've got a few guys that are hurt and can't go—especially with B.A. (WR Brandon Aiyuk) because he's got a count on your roster with him being on PUP (the physically unable to perform list).

"So, we're down on numbers there. Those guys run all camp, and [we] would always love to add more speed if it's available and if they're good players. Those are two guys who can run that we were happy to add.

"Isabella went down with an ankle today, so I know he had a setback, so we didn't get him out there today. Hopefully it's not too bad though."

Chosen spent time with the 49ers during last year's training camp but did not make the final roster. His experience with San Francisco and his previous stints with the Miami Dolphins made him a logical fit for the team.


"If they have familiarity with the system, it makes it a lot easier," Shanahan noted. "Sometimes when you sign a guy, you need those reps, but they can't line up for about a week. So anytime somebody has crossover, it helps them get in there and help out the other guys faster."

Last week, when asked specifically about Isabella, Shanahan praised the receiver's speed, a trait that stood out to him even back at the 2019 Senior Bowl.

"Always with him, it started with his 40," Shanahan said. "Anytime he ran those 4.2s, that sticks out. It's a different type of speed. That's what we noticed when he ran away from us a number of times when he was at Arizona. That's what has kind of made him different.

"Just during the workout yesterday (July 30), you could still see he had that speed, and getting some speed in here is something that we thought we needed."

Update: The 49ers released Isabella on Tuesday.

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