The San Francisco 49ers are looking for depth with receiver Deebo Samuel likely to miss time at the start of the season due to a broken foot, and plan to sign / return receiver Tavon Austin and wideout JJ Nelson, NFL Network Insider reported Ian Rapoport Friday.
Both players have been at the 49ers facility for training and COVID-19 testing, Rapoport added.
ESPN first reported the news.
With a somewhat banged-up and relatively inconsistent group of receivers in San Fran, Austin and Nelson bring a combined 12 seasons of NFL experience.
The no. 8-choice of the 2013 draft by the Rams, Austin, 30, gives the 49ers some versatility with his past as not just a receiver, but a kick-returner and a rusher. After never realizing his first round of potential with the Rams, Austin returns to the NFC West after two seasons with the Cowboys. Austin offers 3,346 scrimmage yards and 25 total touchdowns over his first seven seasons.
Nelson brings great play potential with an average of 17.4 yards per catch over a five-season NFL career to date. However, after showing promise with the Cardinals during show-back-to-back 500-yard shows in 2016-17, Nelson’s last year with the Cards in 2018 was unproductive and he played last season in just two games during a stint with the Raiders that saw him cut in November.
Recipient Richie James is also on the NFI list as is Samuel, so Nelson and Austin will aim to contribute to a WR corps that includes first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne, Jalen Hurd and Dante Pettis.
