49ers to sign WR Max McCaffrey off Packers practice squad

The San Francisco 49ers are adding some depth to their wide receiver depth chart. The team is set to sign wide receiver Max McCaffrey off the Green Bay Packers practice squad, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero. McCaffrey is Christian’s brother (Carolina Panthers), and the son of Ed, who spent one season with the 49ers. He stands 6’2, 196 pounds, and ran a 4.46 40 at his Pro Day.

Fooch’s update: Tex from Acme Packing Company offered some thoughts on McCaffrey.

McCaffrey is an ideal back-of-the-roster wideout, in that he is capable of playing special teams (including returning punts and kicks). He actually played pretty well in the preseason and was a semi-contentious cut among Packers fans, as he had played better than draft picks DeAngelo Yancey and Malachi Dupre. He's not an elite athlete, but a solid route-runner with good hands.

McCaffrey entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent last year, initially signing with the Oakland Raiders after the 2016 NFL Draft. He was released during roster cuts, and signed with the Packers practice squad in December 2016. He was promoted for the NFC Championship Game, but did not play. He spent the first part of 2017 with the New Orleans Saints practice squad before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars active roster. He made his first career catch (four yards) in Week 5, which is his only catch for now. He was waived October 21, re-signed with the Packers practice squad on October 24, and is now a 49er.

The 49ers will have to release a player or move someone to injured reserve to make room for McCaffrey. There was no word on any wide receiver injuries, so it remains to be seen exactly who will be released or moved to IR.