The San Francisco 49ers are looking to expand their tight end depth behind starter George Kittle and are set to host hybrid wide receiver and tight end Jevon Cottoy next week, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Cottoy, 24, is drawing “significant interest” and has already worked out for the Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, and New Orleans Saints.
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Cottoy Has Never Played Football in America
Born and raised in Canada, Cottoy has never played the game of American football, though he’s proven to be a solid pass-catcher.
During his 2019 rookie campaign in the Canadian Football League, Cottoy had 38 receptions for 386 yards and one touchdown in 16 games with the Lions. The CFL was canceled last season due to the COVID-19 outbreak, so Cottoy opted out of his contract to pursue an NFL career.
Cottoy had a major setback during the 2016 offseason where he suffered an ACL and MCL tear which forced him to sit out for two years. While sidelined, Cottoy spent that time pursuing a career as a firefighter.
He returned to playing for the British Columbia Football Conference’s Langley Rams in 2018 and caught 39 passes for 657 yards and eight touchdowns in eight regular-season games. Langley made it to the playoffs where they played four postseason contests en route to the Canadian Bowl. In those games, Cottoy reeled in 25 passes for 645 yards and eight touchdowns.
That season caught the professional level’s attention and now he could have a shot to continue his success across the border.
Cottoy would join the 49ers’ recent signing of tight end MyCole Pruitt and backup Ross Dwelley.
49ers Signed WR Andy Jones Earlier this Week
The Niners added some pass-catcher help on Tuesday by signing veteran wide receiver Andy Jones.
Jones, 26, has not played in an NFL game since 2018 and spent the 2019 season on the Miami Dolphins practice squad.
He was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016 where he spent two seasons there until he was cut ahead of the 2017 season. After that, Jones was picked up by the Texans and had a short stint with the Detroit Lions in 2018.
He appeared in eight games with three starts for Detroit where he caught 11 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in a depth role. He also tallied 84 snaps on special teams with the Lions.
Reactions to the 49ers signing Jones were not the best as many fans figured they’d be in the market for seven-time Pro Bowler Julio Jones. It was recently reported that the 49ers are being watched “closely” as a final destination for the Falcons WR who wants out of Atlanta.
Jones is still on the loose and where he might end up remains a big question mark, but the Niners have plenty of draft capital to offer up if the Falcons are willing to settle for a second-round pick.
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