Brandon Jacobs Signs 1-Year Deal With 49ers
Former New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs has reportedly signed with the San Francisco 49ers, agreeing to a 1-year deal with the storied franchise.
Jacobs, 29, had an off year in 2011 due to his limited playing time and subsequent diminished productivity. Last year Jacobs only managed to rush for 571 yards and scored seven rushing touchdowns. The running back also caught 15 passes for 128 yards and one receiving touchdown.
After negotiations with the Giants fell apart, they released Jacobss before he was due a $500,000 roster bonus and his $4.4 million base salary next season.
The former Giants fourth-round draft pick from Southern Illinois is the fourth leading rusher in Giants history, with 4,849 career yards to go along with 56 touchdowns. This is surprising because for the past two seasons he has been the back-up to Ahmad Bradshaw.
Jacobs was considered a top-tier back when he rushed for 1,000-plus yards in 2007 and 2008, but had regressed since. His best year was in 2008 when he ran for 1,089 yards and scored 15 rushing touchdowns.
Jacobs had spent all seven of his pro seasons with the New York Giants before signing a 1-year contract Wednesday with the San Francisco 49ers, according to multiple sources.
He is not the only Giant player to sign with the Bay-Area team. Former Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham signed a two-year deal with the 49ers last week. He had been with the Giants for his first four years of his career.
There is still the question of where exactly Jacobs will fit in, but for the 6-foot-4-inch, 260-pound running back, fitting in won't be that hard.
The 49ers current running back is Frank Gore who rushed for 1,211 with eight rushing touchdowns last season. Jacobs will most likely be used in short-yardage and red-zone situations while he splits time with the 49ers other back-up running backs Anthony Dixon and Kendall Hunter.