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The San Francisco 49ers had a few transactions become official earlier today. The NFL transaction wire came out and it listed several reserve/future contracts. The 49ers have announced these deals, but the NFL transaction wire indicates they are official. The 49ers signed the following players to reserve/future contracts:
OT Carter Bykowski
WR Chuck Jacobs
OT Al Netter
DT Mike Purcell
DB Dax Swanson
WR Devon Wylie
Earlier today, I wrote about how Matt Barrows reported Devon Wylie and Lawrence Okoye had signed reserve/future contracts. As was pointed out in the comments, the Okoye signing does not seem to make sense. He signed a three-year contract as an undrafted free agent, and then was waived/injured before the season started. He was not claimed, and with no injury settlement he reverted to injured reserve. I would think he remains on his three-year contract, but I'm not 100 percent certain. Either way, he will be around this offseason.
The group above includes six of the eight members of the 49ers practice squad when the season ended. The only players not signed to new deals are QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson and RB Jewel Hampton. McBLT is apparently in discussions with the team about another contract. I could see him coming back to compete in training camp, but I also suspect the 49ers invest a little more in the backup quarterback position.
Of the six players signed to reserve/future contracts, Chuck Jacobs intrigues me as much as anybody. He showed some great things in preseason action, but of course, it happened late in games. We don't know what the 49ers have planned at the wide receiver position, but Jacobs will get his opportunities. As it currently stands, the 49ers wide receivers under contract include Michael Crabtree, Quinton Patton, Jon Baldwin, Chuck Jacobs, Devon Wylie and Brandon Carswell (IR).
I have to think they release Jon Baldwin, but we won't know the plan there for a little while. Whether Boldin returns or not, I suspect the team will be looking wide receiver fairly early in the 2014 NFL Draft. Jacobs has a full year in the system, and will get some chances throughout the offseason workout program. I am excited to follow him into training camp.
