49ers offseason: 3 sneaky needs for San Francisco in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers sneaky need No. 1: Return specialist
The 49ers’ most successful return specialist during the Kyle Shanahan era was wide receiver Richie James, and he wasn’t even on the roster in 2021.
Instead, those duties regularly rotated between players like JaMycal Hasty, running back Trent Cannon and even wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
The Niners weren’t particularly great at returning kickoffs and punts last season, all averaging together to make San Francisco’s field position on its own 26.9-yard line, fourth worst in the NFL during the regular season.
In the kickoff-return department, the 49ers averaged 18.9 yards per return, fifth worst, while they were a little more in the middle of the pack in punt returns with an average of 8.2 yards per attempt (tied for 13th worst).
No returns for a touchdown either.
The Niners bid farewell to now-Chicago Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower already this offseason, but the cold fact is San Francisco will still need to identify someone who can be an effective return specialist on both punt returns and kickoffs.
Until that point, the 49ers’ starting field position may continue to struggle.
Next. 5 under-the-radar free agents 49ers should add in 2022. dark