Earlier today, the San Francisco 49ers announced that they have signed wide receiver John Matthews to a future/reserve contract. This guarantees Matthews a spot during training camp to compete for an opportunity to make the roster.
Matthews ended the 2011 season on the 49ers' practice squad. He also played under Jim Harbaugh at USD.
The 49ers have already signed center Chase Beeler, tackle Derek Hall, safety Mark LeGree, defensive back Cory Nelms, receiver/tight end/long-snapper Kyle Nelson, tight end Konrad Reuland and linebacker Michael Wilhoite to reserve contracts. All but Nelson were on the 49ers' practice squad at one point during the 2011 season.
I have been asked as to why the 49ers would sign these players now. Under league rules, any players that weren't on an NFL roster at season's end can be signed to a reserve contract. Free agency for players on a roster begins on March 13.
The reason why the 49ers and the players agree to reserve contract is essentially a marriage of convenience for both sides.
For the 49ers, they get a chance to keep players that they are familiar with. And more importantly, these players know the team's playbook. The 49ers don't have to teach them the playbook when training camp rolls around. With an expanded roster to begin training camp, it helps to have extra bodies ready going into camp.
The players might see more benefit from signing a reserve contract. They know the playbook, the team, the facility and these players are hoping to latch onto a roster spot. For these players on the bubble, signing a reserve contract is an easier path to making the roster versus signing with a team elsewhere and starting all over again in trying to impress an NFL coaching staff again.
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