The 49ers have made a pair of moves which will primarily affect their special teams. Wide receiver Chris Conley has been re-signed on a one-year deal, per a team announcement. In addition, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle notes cornerback Chase Lucas has been signed, also on a one-year accord.
Conley joined San Francisco last offseason to offer the team a complementary option in the passing game along with the potential for special teams contributions. The 31-year-old had not been a mainstay with respect to third phase duties in many of his previous stops. Drawing only eight combined targets between regular and postseason play in 2023, however, that was the bulk of Conley’s workload during the year.
The former third-rounder saw a 36% snap share on special teams with the 49ers, the highest mark of his career. His contributions in that regard included a pair tackles as a gunner during the Super Bowl, and Conley can be expected to reprise that role in 2024. He could also provide a vertical threat in the passing game behind the established starting WR trio of Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings.
Lucas entered the league as a Lions draftee in 2022. He did not log a snap on defense in any of his 18 games with Detroit, but last season in particular he became a key special teamer. The 27-year-old saw a 72% snap share with respect to third phase playing time, but that was not sufficient to receive an ERFA tender. Free to sign with a new team, Lucas has elected to head to the Bay Area for 2024.
The Lions handed linebacker (and new NFLPA president) Jalen Reeves-Maybin a two-year extension which includes record-breaking compensation for a special teams player. With considerable resources used on retaining him, it comes as little surprise Detroit was willing to let Lucas depart. The latter could provide depth in the 49ers’ secondary, but failing that he will be in line to continue as a core contributor on special teams in San Francisco.
San Francisco 49ers Re-Sign Offensive Weapon For 2024 Season Amid Deebo Samuel Trade Rumors
Aug 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs out of the tunnel before the start of the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers reached an agreement to keep one of their wide receivers from the 2023 season. The 49ers have a few decisions to make for the wide receivers corps ahead of the upcoming season.
The San Francisco 49ers could lose Brandon Aiyuk
The 49ers pass catchers have played a major role in quarterback Brock Purdy’s development. However, following their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, there were questions if Brandon Aiyuk would return to the 49ers for the 2024 season. In fact, there are trade rumors floating that Aiyuk and the Jacksonville Jaguars have a mutual trade interest.
Deebo Samuel could be traded for cap-saving purposes
Deebo Samuel’s name has also floated as another wide receiver the 49ers might trade due to cap space issues. Per Over The Cap, the 49ers have just over $6 million in cap space for the upcoming season. Fortunately for the 49ers, they were able to agree to a deal with one wide receiver this weekend.
The 49ers re-signed Chris Conley
Per Aaron Wilson with KPRC, the 49ers re-signed Chris Conley.
#49ers re-signed Chris Conley
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 16, 2024
Conley caught one pass for 18 yards in February’s Super Bowl and three passes for 69 yards in the regular season. He could be asked to have a larger role for the 49ers during the 2024 season.
