Updated running back depth chart after 49ers add Patrick Taylor Jr.
Christian McCaffrey's job probably isn't in danger.
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers signed former Packers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. to a one-year deal, and he'll beef up the depth chart during training camp.
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine that his team was likely done with adding big-name free agents.
Although he did leave room by saying a handful of smaller transactions could always take place.
On Wednesday, the Niners reportedly inked former Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. to a one-year deal, first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter:
The 49ers are signing former Green Bay Packers RB Patrick Taylor Jr. to a one-year deal, per source. After facing the 49ers in the playoffs, Taylor now joins them.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2024
Taylor’s agent @chriscabott of @equitysports confirmed the deal. pic.twitter.com/nI9XFCf7pn
The 25-year-old undrafted free agent out of Memphis had a career-best year as a backup to the Packers' tandem of A.J. Dillon and Aaron Jones, rushing for 141 yards on 32 carries while also hauling in 11 catches for 49 yards. Taylor was also a regular member on Green Bay's special teams unit over the last three seasons.
The exact nature of Taylor's contract hasn't gone public yet, at least as if this writing, but one might imagine it's a low-budget deal that'll include very little (if any guaranteed money).
That points to Taylor being a training camp body with an outside shot of making the 53-man roster during the regular season.
49ers running back depth chart including Patrick Taylor
San Francisco already boasts the NFL's best running back in the game, Offensive Player of the Year recipient Christian McCaffrey, whose role won't change heading into 2024.
But the depth behind McCaffrey is relatively fluid, and Taylor's presence could shake up the back end between now and the preseason.
Here's what we know about the 49ers' depth chart:
Player | Years of experience |
|---|---|
Christian McCaffrey | 8 |
Elijah Mitchell | 4 |
Jordan Mason | 3 |
Patrick Taylor Jr. | 4 |
Mitchell has dealt with injury problems over his entire career, including being absent for six regular-season games a year ago. While the Niners like what they have in Mason, the 6-foot-2 and 217-pound Taylor adds some strength and versatility to the depth chart.
It'll also take pressure off San Francisco from having to use one of its 10 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft to select a running back.
In all likelihood, Taylor will have a chance to claim what'd likely be the third spot on the depth chart entering Week 1, especially if Mitchell's injury trent continues or Mason underperforms.
For now, don't read too much more into his addition other than that.
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