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San Francisco 49ers: ‘Keep or Cut’ Calls on 10 Notable Players for 2017

By Peter Panacy

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on from the sidelines before the game against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on from the sidelines before the game against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) reacts with fans in the stands prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) reacts with fans in the stands prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 8: Wide Receiver Quinton Patton

For note, wide receiver Quinton Patton is a free agent this offseason. So the 49ers wouldn’t have to “cut” him, per se. They simply could just let him walk.

Patton’s numbers in 2016 do nothing to suggest he’s a long-term option in a rebuild project. Still, his 37 receptions for 408 yards marked a career high. Maybe, just maybe, the 26 year old is finally starting to hit his stride.

While injuries have been a bit of a concern, Patton is surely more durable than the aforementioned Bruce Ellington. So one has to take that into account as well. Patton is more versatile too, and he wouldn’t be seen merely as a slot receiver.

Considering how many needs San Francisco has at the position, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the 49ers re-sign Patton on a short-term “prove it” deal over the next year or two. He wouldn’t be asked to be a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver by any means. But for depth?

The Niners could do worse.

Verdict: Keep