:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31660293/159797251.0.jpg)
The San Francisco 49ers announced this morning that they have signed wide receiver Brandon Lloyd to a 1-year contract. The move comes five days after word broke that Lloyd had met with the 49ers. This also comes seven months after the team was reportedly rebuffed when they approached Lloyd.
More than likely this is a fairly basic league minimum deal. The 49ers bring in a guy with little to no risk, and maybe they get another season out of him. He sat out the 2013 season, but in 2012, he hauled in 74 receptions for 911 yards and four touchdowns. He was originally a fourth round pick of the 49ers in the 2003 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the 49ers before moving on to Washington, and the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, St. Louius Rams, and last with the New England Patriots.
Lloyd will immediately compete for that third wide receiver role in training camp. I imagine there will be few if any guarantees in his contract. It strikes me a little like bringing in a healthier Austin Collie. I don't mean that they are the same kind of receiver, but rather, it's a no risk option to see what he can do. And if he shows he can provide more than Quinton Patton or a draft pick, then maybe he sticks around this year. It's an easy signing.