SF 49ers: 9 CFL players John Lynch should consider for 2020

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Kicker Richie Leone #13 of the Ottawa RedBlacks. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

No. 8: An intriguing opt-out for Richie Leone, the veteran CFL kicker could easily make the SF 49ers’ practice roster

49ers fans found out last year just how important special teams is. With kicker Robbie Gould injured, the team called upon the young Chase McLaughlin. Both kickers struggled during the year and the Niners may want to bring in some competition.

Kicker Richie Leone has decided to opt out of his contract with the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Leone was signed until 2021.

Leone can bring a steady leg to the 49ers practice roster while also packing three All-Star nominations, leading the CFL in punting average in 2015-2016, and 71 CFL games.

When Leone started his career in B.C. He handled both punting and field-goal duties. His career-longest field goal is from 56 yards, and he almost matched it again with his second-longest being from 52 yards out. His career average in field goals is 72 percent.

When he signed in Ottawa, they already had a kicker so Leone dealt with just punting duties. Over the course of his four-year CFL career, he averaged 48.3 on punts with his longest going 83 yards.

Leone did have a deal with the Arizona Cardinals in 2016 but was ultimately let go. He brings lots of leg power on both punting and field goals which could put some pressure on Gould and punter Mitch Wishowsky if he’s signed as a practice-roster player.