10 Available Free Agents Who Could Still Help the San Francisco 49ers in 2016
By Peter Panacy
No. 7: Wide Receiver Marques Colston
If there’s one trend from the aforementioned players on this list, it’s the fact age can be a factor in finding new jobs.
This isn’t any different for 33-year-old wide receiver Marques Colston. But what Colson does have going for him is his 6’4″, 225-pound frame — a body type, which fits perfectly into the mold for what head coach Chip Kelly is looking on offense.
We’ve already covered why the Niners receiving corps is so vulnerable this season. There’s simply too much youth — potentially not a bad thing — and it may be a year or two before this group of receivers emerges into anything substantial.
Colston wouldn’t be an every-down contributor. At least not likely. But what he is capable of is being a red-zone presence.
Out of his 72-career receiving touchdowns, 50 have come within the red zone. That’s an awfully good number.
The 49ers ranked 31st in the league last year in red-zone touchdown efficiency (43.59 percent), per TeamRankings.com.
Why He Could Help
Colson won’t have New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees throwing to him. 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert are a step or two down from Brees. But Colston’s presence alone may be enough to open up things elsewhere.
And one can’t overlook how bad San Francisco has been within the red zone in recent seasons.
Next: Cornerback Antonio Cromartie