The San Francisco 49ers signed Jerick McKinnon to a four-year contract worth as much as $30 million. The deal comes off the heels of reports that former 49ers running back Carlos Hyde would sign with the Cleveland Browns. Hyde is out, McKinnon is in, but what do McKinnon’s new collegues in the running back room have to say about this?
Matt Breida sent out an enthusiastic tweet after the signing:
Cheetah and the Jet in the Bay. Let’s go Niner Faithful!
— Matt Breida (@MattBreida) March 14, 2018
#GATA#49ers pic.twitter.com/jYRgsK64aI
For those of you confused, both McKinnon and Breida played college ball at Georgia Southern. Matt Breida’s nickname was “Breida the Cheetah.” McKinnon has had “the jet” nickname since entering the NFL. In any case Matt Breida’s happy about the newest acquisition to the backfield.
Another running back is not so enthusiastic, but understands what’s up. Joe Williams sent this out following the signing as well:
— Joseph Williams (@JWills_28) March 14, 2018
Williams was drafted in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft. His preseason was underwhelming at best and he was placed on injured reserve for the entire season from an ankle injury. All signs point to Williams being ready to compete for a job when training camp rolls around. If the tweet above is any indication, Williams knows he’s going to have to step his game up with this new arrival.