Niner Noise
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Predicting which players 49ers re-sign in 2020 NFL free agency

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after sacking Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of their game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after sacking Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of their game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jordan Matthews #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jordan Matthews #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver Jordan Matthews

Veteran wide receiver Jordan Matthews appeared to be on the roster fringes following the 49ers’ actions in the 2019 NFL Draft. After all, the Niners added rookie wideouts Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd, who figured to grab more attention than Matthews over the long run.

But Matthews stood out during OTAs, regularly hauling in touchdown grabs and quickly establishing a rapport with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

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Matthews’ 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame also offers Kyle Shanahan a solid red-zone threat — an element the Niners have sorely lacked the past two seasons. If Matthews capitalizes on this ability, there’s little question he winds up sticking around with San Francisco into 2020. Perhaps beyond.

And Matthews was one of Niner Noise’s favorites to earn an extension at some point soon, too.

If this is it, though, it would mean the 49ers finally part ways with defensive back Jimmie Ward, who has spent considerable time on injured reserve during his pro career. Injury concerns also likely mean cornerback Jason Verrett’s contract with the Niners is a one-and-done deal.

Robbie Gould certainly won’t be back in 2020, and he might not even be around by Week 1. Same with linebacker Malcolm Smith, whose lucrative 2017 free-agent deal was wiggled down to a one-year contract, expiring after this season.

dark. Next. 3 49ers who should get contract extensions after DeForest Buckner

Whether or not these predictions come true, however, is anyone’s guess. We’ll have to wait until 2020 to find out!