4 free-agent wide receivers 49ers can target not named Calvin Ridley

49ers free-agent WR target No. 2: DeAndre Carter

It’s never a bad idea to consider reunions for former Niners players, and few could feel better about a homecoming than Washington Commanders wide receiver and kick-return specialist DeAndre Carter.

Carter, who is from the Bay Area and went to nearby Sacramento State, spent portions of the 2017 and 2018 seasons with San Francisco and had that rapport with Kyle Shanahan during the early phases of his career.

Last year, though, the 28-year-old Carter established himself as a quality return option, recording 904 yards and a touchdown on 36 kickoff returns while also netting 134 yards on 16 punt-return attempts.

The 49ers have hurt for a true return specialist, and last year was a prime example of the shortage. As far as average-starting field position went, the Niners ranked 29th in the league and could afford a spark on special teams.

Carter could help provide that, even though there shouldn’t be too much expected out of him on the offensive side of the ball.