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Why 49ers Jordan Matthews is in danger of being cut after training camp

By Josh Altorfer

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Wide receiver Jordan Matthews #80 of the Philadelphia Eagles warsm up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lincoln Financial Field on September 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Wide receiver Jordan Matthews #80 of the Philadelphia Eagles warsm up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lincoln Financial Field on September 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The 49ers might elect to move on from wide receiver Jordan Matthews before he ever plays a regular season snap for the team. Wide receiver depth is a major strength for San Francisco this season.

First-year San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Matthews has played in the NFL for five seasons. He was a second-round NFL Draft pick selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014.

Matthews’ best statistical season was 2015, where he snagged eight touchdowns and fell just three yards short of the illustrious 1,000 yards receiving.

Last season, Matthews failed to come remotely close to those numbers, managing a dismal 300 yards receiving while only reaching the end zone twice for Philadelphia.

Regardless, the 49ers agreed to a one-year deal with Matthews at the beginning of free agency.

COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 16: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks outruns defenders from the Kentucky Wildcats for a touchdown at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages)
COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 16: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks outruns defenders from the Kentucky Wildcats for a touchdown at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages) /

General manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. must have thought this move was not enough, because they spent second- and third-round picks on wide receivers in this year’s draft, selecting Deebo Samuel with pick No. 36 as well as Jalen Hurd, No. 67 overall.

The draft capital spent on these rookies all but locks them in to making the 49ers’ 53-man roster come Aug. 31.

The 49ers ran with a total of six wide receivers suiting up on Sundays last season. Lets assume this number stays the same for 2019.

In 2018, San Francisco spent a second rounder on Dante Pettis, whom many assume will be the Niners’ leading receiver this season. Pettis was able to put up nearly 500 receiving yards and score five touchdowns despite quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo only being healthy for three games.

Marquise Goodwin was a favorite of Jimmy G when the two played together at the end of the 2017 season. It is tough to envision a scenario where the Niners part ways with what seems to be the franchise QB’s favorite weapon since being traded to the team.

Kendrick Bourne led the team at wide receiver with 487 yards, which is kind of sad when you compare the wideout’s yardage to tight end George Kittle‘s 1,377 from last year. Nonetheless, the team should be excited about Bourne’s upside, something Matthews has left in the rear-view mirror.

That’s five of six spots filled, assuming the above don’t fall off a cliff in camp.

This realistically leaves Trent Taylor, Richie James and Matthews battling for the last spot.

Taylor was another one of Garoppolo’s favorite targets in the small sample size we have of him at quarterback. He has also become a favorite of receivers coach Wes Welker, who most likely sees his younger self in Taylor.

SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Trent Taylor #81 walk off the field after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 12-9. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Trent Taylor #81 walk off the field after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 12-9. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

To me, that’s enough to push Matthews out of the sixth spot and possibly off the roster altogether.

James will likely be one of the 53, due to his returning ability on special teams.

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This is less about Matthews and more about the overall talent from the Niners receiving corps. Which is, of course, a good problem to have.

This could mean fans won’t get to see Matthews suit up in a meaningful game for the 49ers at all.