Jordan Matthews is back with the 49ers for a third stint, but this time he’ll play a new position. NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo on Friday reported Matthews will be joining San Francisco to try and make the club as a tight end after spending parts of the last two years with them as a wide receiver.
Matthews, 29, made a position switch this offseason after playing in just 29 games with three teams and catching only 49 passes since 2017.
The former second-round pick of the Eagles put on weight in the offseason and was in attendance for Tight End University, hosted by 49ers TE George Kittle.
San Francisco could use another pass-catching tight end, and that role may suit the former receiver as he eases his way into a position that’ll eventually require more of him as a blocker.
Kittle leads the 49ers’ tight end group, but their pass-catching options after that are thin. Neither Ross Dwelley nor Charlie Woerner are great receivers. MyCole Pruitt is dealing with a calf injury and undrafted rookie Josh Pederson is still a question mark.
Matthews will compete with that group in camp for a roster spot, and given his knowledge of the 49ers’ offense, it may not take him long to carve out a big enough role to make the team.
