The New England Patriots made a pair of roster cuts on Wednesday, releasing center Bryan Stork, and wide receiver Nate Washington. Stork was a fourth round pick in 2014, but had multiple concussions over the past two seasons and lost out on the center competition.
The interesting release for our purposes is Washington. He Patriots signed him to a one-year $1.065 million contract, but according to ESPN, only $60,000 of it was guaranteed. Clearly he had a lot to prove. He spent last season with the Texans, finishing with 47 receptions for 658 yards and four touchdowns. Over the course of his ten-year career, he has 458 receptions, 6,954 yards, and 44 touchdowns. That averages out to 45.8 receptions, 695.4 yards and 4.4 touchdowns per season. So basically, his Houston season was pretty much right at his career average.
The 49ers have not had much in the way of standout receivers in training camp. Dres Anderson had the big touchdown against Denver, but it’s been quiet for the most part. Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington seem most likely to play opposite Torrey Smith. Ellington is dealing with injuries, while Patton is looking for his own breakout season as he enters his contract season.
I don’t think the 49ers sign Washington, but if they want some kind of stable veteran presence, you could do worse.