The San Francisco 49ers have announced a roster move involving their wide receiver unit. The team signed wide receiver Isaiah Winstead and simultaneously waived wide receiver Frank Darby with an injury designation. This move comes as part of the team’s continuous efforts to refine their roster ahead of the regular season.
### Signing of Isaiah Winstead
Isaiah Winstead, a talented wide receiver, is the newest addition to the 49ers’ wide receiver room. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 213 pounds, Winstead brings both size and versatility to the team. He went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft but was quickly picked up by the Cleveland Browns, where he spent time during the offseason before being waived. The 49ers have now decided to bring him on board to see if he can provide depth and contribute to their offensive scheme.
During his college career, Winstead played at several schools, including Norfolk State, Toledo, and East Carolina. In his final year at East Carolina, he had a breakout season, catching 88 passes for 1,085 yards and six touchdowns. His performance put him on the radar of several NFL teams. Despite going undrafted, he has shown potential and will now have an opportunity to prove himself in San Francisco.
The 49ers’ decision to sign Winstead reflects the team’s intent to ensure they have a variety of receiving options as they continue to evaluate their roster ahead of the 2024 NFL season. Winstead’s ability to make contested catches and create separation could make him a valuable asset as the team looks to improve its aerial attack.
### Waiving of Frank Darby
On the other hand, wide receiver Frank Darby has been waived with an injury designation. Darby was signed by the 49ers earlier in the offseason but had been battling injuries during training camp. The injury, which has not been fully disclosed, prompted the 49ers to make the tough decision to release him from the roster.
Darby was a former sixth-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft. Known for his explosiveness and deep-threat ability, Darby struggled to make a consistent impact in Atlanta before eventually being waived. The 49ers picked him up, hoping to revitalize his career, but his injury has unfortunately sidelined him for now.
If Darby clears waivers, he will likely revert to the 49ers’ injured reserve list, which could allow him to remain with the team while recovering. However, his long-term future with the organization remains uncertain, especially with the addition of Winstead.
This roster adjustment shows the 49ers’ continued effort to shape their team for the upcoming season, ensuring that they have enough depth at key positions as they prepare for their 2024 campaign.
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