After Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, one of the San Francisco 49ers’ former players will be joining an NFC foe. Successful offensive weapons have been the foundation of San Francisco’s offensive success; however, Danny Gray did not work out and now receives a new opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles.
On September 10, the Eagles signed the 2022 third-round selection to their practice squad. The NFC East team made the announcement on September 10 as the first of four roster changes.
The Eagles’ official X Twitter announced, “Practice Squad: We have signed WR Danny Gray and DB A.J. Woods and released LB Brandon Smith and WR Griffin Hebert.”
After playing just 13 games in his rookie season and failing to make an appearance in 2023, Gray did not do well in San Francisco. It’s important to remember that the 49ers’ elite wide receiver group, which is anchored by Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, somewhat limited Gray’s possibilities.
Gray was drafted by San Francisco because they obviously thought he had potential when he was young. It will now be up to the Eagles to see if they can fulfill the promise of the former SMU wide receiver.
49ers Redesign Contract for Deebo Samuel
Regarding the 49ers receivers, San Francisco recently decided on a significant contract with Deebo. According to ESPN reporter Field Yates, San Francisco reworked Samuel’s contract after inking offensive tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Aiyuk to massive contracts.
Yates wrote on X, “The 49ers restructured WR Deebo Samuel’s contract, creating $16.4M in cap space.”
Thanks to some clever manipulation of the salary cap, San Francisco was able to offer Aiyuk a $120 million, four-year contract. At the start of the offseason, there were rumors that Aiyuk or Samuel might be traded. Rather, the 49ers have managed to retain their “wide-back” and pay their top downfield threat.
That might not last through the 2024 season. San Francisco, however, has managed to keep its successful combo together as they pursue the Lombardi Trophy.
49ers Unveil New WR Initiative
The 49ers are working to improve the depth of their wide receiver class, with Aiyuk and Samuel leading the way. Terrace Marshall Jr., a former wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, is their most recent endeavor in this regard.
Despite being a strong prospect at LSU, Marshall Jr. failed to make an impression on the Panthers after three seasons. Like Gray, he is now receiving another opportunity with a prominent NFL contender.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan discussed the latest addition to the practice squad and said there is obvious potential while Heavy’s Sean Deveney covered.
Shanahan expressed his excitement about having him on the practice squad. “When he came out, we had that feeling. In college, we genuinely thought highly of him, so it’s great that he can come here and join the practice squad and meet him. I believe he can support our group.
Marshall doesn’t have any high expectations, but that might be just right. After giving him some time to settle in, San Francisco can assess what he might be able to provide should the above depth chart shift.
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