49ers free agency: Latest news, rumors and reports after opening wave
By Peter Panacy
49ers add special teams ace, depth wide receiver in Trent Sherfield
San Francisco does need to pay some attention to its wide receiver depth chart behind its two starters, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, particularly in the wake of wideout Kendrick Bourne leaving the team on a free-agent deal with the New England Patriots.
And while it’s not the flashiest of moves, it’s possible former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trent Sherfield winds up playing a critical depth role while serving as a special teams ace this upcoming season.
As reported by Mike Garafolo, Sherfield is heading to the Niners on a one-year deal:
Former #AZCardinals WR Trent Sherfield is headed to the #49ers on a one-year deal, source says. Sherfield excels on special teams but the Niners like his skill set at receiver and he’ll have a chance to grab a role there, especially with Kendrick Bourne gone.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 18, 2021
Sherfield ran a 4.45 40-yard time at his pro day in 2018, so he does have speed. That’ll appeal to head coach Kyle Shanahan, while Sherfield’s 424 snaps on special teams over the last two years with the Cardinals will appeal to special teams coordinator Richard Hightower.
There’s a chance Sherfield, 6-foot-1 and 219 pounds, takes over that role vacated by Bourne. Namely as a third-down and red-zone specialist, although there’s certainly going to be plenty of competition for the receiver in training camp.