Jordan Matthews: How new 49ers wide receiver will impact offense

With the San Francisco 49ers needing to add some depth at wide receiver this offseason, they have signed free-agent Jordan Matthews to a one-year deal.

Coming into the offseason, it was a fairly well-known prediction the San Francisco 49ers would be looking to add some depth to their wide receiving corps. While it is expected they will pick up a young receiver via the upcoming 2019 NFL Draft, it was unknown if they would chase a veteran receiver in free agency.

The 49ers did however make a move on Thursday, signing wide receiver Jordan Matthews to a one-year contract.

It is unknown at this time how much Matthews’ contract is worth, however, it is likely to be a one-year “prove it” deal. This enables the 49ers to assess his performance through 2019 and determine if they wish to extend his contract at the end of the year.

“I had a huge interest in wanting to be at a place like this,” Matthews said, via NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco. “It’s got everything you want, as far as the culture of the team already, young, vibrant, great quarterback in Jimmy [Garoppolo]. So as a receiver, you couldn’t ask for a better situation.”

Matthews’ signing couldn’t have come at a better time for the Niners, with an underperforming receiving corps for the 2018 season, they need to see a vast improvement to stay competitive.

The Niners’ top wide receiver last season was Kendrick Bourne, who led all wideouts with a total of 487 yards, followed closely by rookie Dante Pettis. The team’s supposed top two receivers, in Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin, both failed miserably, with the 49ers recently releasing Garcon.

So, what does Matthews bring to the table?

One very important factor which the 49ers have been unable to achieve since the arrival of head coach Kyle Shanahan, he’s a red-zone threat. Sixteen of his 22 touchdowns have come while in the red zone.

He has 270 career receptions for 3,255 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per reception and the above-mentioned 22 touchdowns. Coming in at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Shanahan has likely found at least one of his big-bodied receivers, with another likely to come via the draft.

Not only does Matthews bring great size with him, he also has the speed and the ability to both play in the slot and on the outside, providing Shanahan with the option to utilize Matthews’ skill set across the field depending on the play that’s being called.

“I feel like I do three things really well,” Matthews continued. “I get open, I catch the ball, and I’m going to block in the run game. I feel like whenever I’ve been put in a position to make plays, I go out and make them.”

Entering into his sophomore year, Pettis should see an increase in both his production and capability on the field. While he got off to a somewhat slow start, by the end of the year, he was displaying his athleticism, speed and ability to separate from defenders.

Goodwin will hopefully see more playing time, barring injury and very unfortunate personal issues off the field.

With the 49ers ranked last in red-zone touchdown percentage for 2018, Matthews may well be able to deliver what they’ve been looking for.

It’s not hard to imagine given the increased snaps he is likely to receive that the 49ers may have a new No. 1 receiver in the house.