Free agent wide receiver Keshawn Martin met with the 49ers today, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Martin was released by the Patriots during final cutdowns last weekend.
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Martin, 25, was traded from the Texans to New England in September, and he ended up appearing in nine games (eight starts) for the Patriots, compiling 24 catches for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Over his four-year career, Martin has 62 receptions for 685 yards and five touchdowns. The former Michigan State Spartan agreed to an extension with the Patriots in January that included $600K guaranteed, so it was a tad surprising to see the club cut bait so soon.
San Francisco’s depth chart is extremely thin behind No. 1 wide receiver Torrey Smith, as Quinton Patton, Aaron Burbridge, and the recently-acquired Rod Streater are candidates to fill the second WR role. Jeremy Kerley, another recent trade acquisition, is expected to start in the slot, but Martin would offer another option to absorb snaps on the outside.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.