NFL free agency rumors: Any thoughts on bringing back wide receiver Joshua Morgan?

When a radio show brings up free agency (or trade, or draft) rumors, I am often fairly skeptical. Maybe it's a bias I should get over, but I take it with a greater grain of salt than a lot of other reporters out there. It was only furthered earlier this year when a Houston radio program suggested the Houston Texans were going to bring in Eric Mangini to be their offensive coordinator. I suppose given his move to tight ends it's not entirely a shock, but I remain skeptical about this kind of stuff.

However, I came across a rumor yesterday, and after some thought, decided it was at least worth a mention given the more detailed connection to the San Francisco 49ers.

.@ESPNRadio980 hears that the #Panthers and #49'ers are leaders among six teams interested in #Redskins UFA WR Josh Morgan. Both need help.

— Chris Russell (@Russellmania980) March 19, 2014

The 49ers saw Joshua Morgan depart for Washington after the 2011 season, when he signed a five year, $12 million deal that really just voided to two years. In 2012, Morgan caught 48 passes for 510 yards and two touchdowns. In 2013, he caught 20 passes for 214 yards. While he never quite broke out in the previous four years in San Francisco, he showed plenty of talent. Had he not broken his leg during the 2011 season, he likely would have put up some very solid numbers. And maybe the 49ers get past the Giants with a healthy Morgan. It's one of the big what ifs of the 2011 season.

My guess is he ends up in Carolina. The Panthers can get him relatively cheap, and they are in desperate need of receivers. The 49ers could use more receiver depth, but barring a league minimum deal, I would be surprised if they added anybody else. I think Kassim Osgood returns, but while he is listed as a wide receiver, he's a special teams guy through and through.