S.F. to cut receiver Smith
The 49ers are about to do some serious wide-receiver shopping.
That became clear Monday when it was reported they will release wide receiver Torrey Smith, 28, one of two wideouts on their roster with more than 73 career catches who was signed for 2017.
Smith acknowledged his release in a lengthy Instagram post: “I’d like to apologize to the fans,” he wrote, “because you didn’t get to see me at my best.” The news was first reported by former NFL receiver Steve Smith, a former teammate of Torrey Smith, who joined NFL Network in February.
The news wasn’t a total surprise, given Smith’s lack of production since signing a fiveyear, $40 million deal in 2015. He had 53 catches for 930 yards and seven scores in 28 games. He missed the final four games of 2016 with a concussion.
Still, given the 49ers’ lack of established players at the position, it appeared possible they would retain Smith. He led the league in yards per catch (20.1) in 2015 and his disappointing seasons were partially tied to shaky play from quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert. Smith had career highs in catches (65) and yards (1,128) in 2013. He has averaged 17 yards — the third-best mark among active players — on 266 career receptions.
However, Smith is a onedimensional speedster whose lack of versatility clearly wasn’t viewed as a fit in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Smith’s release also has financial implications — he was due to count $9.5 million against the salary cap — but the 49ers already had $90.6 million in cap space.
Without Smith, Jeremy Kerley (246 career catches), who signed a three-year extension Saturday before he became a free agent, is the 49ers’ only established wideout under contract in 2017. Bruce Ellington (19 catches) is their second-most productive wide receiver. Quinton Patton and Rod Streater are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
The 49ers have interest in signing the Browns’ Terrelle Pryor, one of the top free-agent wide receivers, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported. They also are expected to make a play for Chicago’s Alshon Jeffrey and Washington’s Pierre Garcon when free agency begins Thursday.
The 49ers have money to attract free-agent wideouts, but their quarterback situation could steer away those with other options: The team doesn’t have a quarterback on the roster who is under contract for 2017.