SANTA CLARA — The 49ers have signed two wide receivers, while waiving two players who sustained injuries.
Former Raider Louis Murphy and Utah undrafted free agent Tim Patrick were signed on Monday. Linebacker Jimmie Gilbert (ACL) and wide receiver B.J. Johnson III (hamstring) were released. Both were undrafted free agents.
It’s surprising the 49ers chose to claim two receivers. The position has been pretty loaded in training camp. Even back end rotation players — Aldrick Robinson, Trent Taylor, Kendrick Bourne and Victor Boulden Jr. — have had strong starts to training camp.
Even more surprising: this team needs a safety. Jimmie Ward (hamstring), Eric Reid (ankle) and Jaquiski Tartt (ribs) are all sidelined to begin camp. Undrafted free agent Lorenzo Jerome has entered the starting lineup alongside Vinnie Sunseri. Chaceller James and Don Jones have been the other safeties in the mix.
Murphy arrives as the more heralded name. The 28-year-old was a fourth-round pick by the Raiders in 2009. He caught 41 passes for 609 yards in 2010 but has slowly faded out of the league. Stints with the Panthers, Giants and Buccaneers did not yield the same results. Murphy was out of the league in 2016.
Patrick arrives as the more intriguing prospect. Waived by the Ravens on Sunday, Patrick’s 6-foot-4 and caught 45 passes last season for the Utes. He becomes the biggest receiver by far on the roster.
Moves like this make you wonder who does have final say of the 53-man roster. Adding two receivers here feels like a Kyle Shanahan move. And, hey, he’s been around this stuff much longer than John Lynch. If he sees a roster spot open at receiver, why not bring in two bigger bodies to see what they can bring.