After a Sunday in which the San Francisco 49ers rolled out both Adam Snyder and Alex Boone in a third tight end role, the team has officially added an actual third tight end. The 49ers announced they have signed free agent Justin Peelle to fill the third, blocking tight end role. Peelle was originally a 4th round draft pick of the San Diego Chargers in the 2002 NFL Draft. After four seasons with the Chargers, Peelle spent two years in Miami and three seasons in Atlanta.
To make room for Peelle, the 49ers released rookie safety Colin Jones. As a rookie with only one game under his belt, Jones is eligible for the practice squad. I'd imagine the odds are pretty good that he'll clear waivers, but we'll see over the next 24 hours.
The 49ers had modest success with Snyder in the third tight end role when he drew Red Bryant offsides after a legal attempt to go in motion. Assuming Peelle is active this Sunday it would seem to indicate the team is more comfortable going with a traditional tight end in the role.