49ers Make A New Acquisition In Free Agency By Signing A Former Green Bay Packers Running Back.
The San Francisco 49ers are enhancing their running back corps by acquiring former Green Bay Packers RB Patrick Taylor Jr. While there were speculations regarding San Francisco’s intention to add a running back in the 2024 NFL draft, they have swiftly moved to secure Taylor’s services.
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter broke the news of the signing on April 3, revealing that Taylor Jr. has inked a one-year deal with the 49ers. This move comes after Taylor’s encounter with the 49ers in the playoffs, marking a transition to their team. Confirmation of the deal was provided by Taylor’s agent, Chris Cabott of Equity Sports.
Approaching his fourth NFL season, Taylor Jr. has spent the last three years in Green Bay, often serving as the third-string option behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. In San Francisco, he is expected to assume a similar role, although making the roster might prove challenging given the presence of Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, who dominate touches. Additionally, Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason, both reliable backups on cost-effective contracts, further add to the competition for roster spots.
However, Mitchell and Mason are entering the final year of their contracts, suggesting that Taylor’s arrival could be part of a strategy to transition away from either running back in the future.
Taylor Jr. embarked on his NFL journey with the Packers after playing college football at Memphis. Despite an impressive junior season with 1319 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns, a foot injury during his senior year impacted his draft stock. Subsequently, the Packers signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL draft, but his recovery from the injury led to a stint on the injured reserve without being activated until mid-December.
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