Reunion: 49ers sign WR/PR Trent Taylor to one-year deal

Apr 16, 2024, 3:22 PM | Updated: 3:24 pm

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 09: Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a first down against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)

(Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The 49ers are bringing back a fan favorite next season, agreeing to terms with Trent Taylor Tuesday.

The San Francisco 49ers officially announced the signing of the team’s former fifth-round selection. Taylor will likely reprise his role as punt/kick returner in 2024, while also helping out in the wide receiver room. Further contract details have not been revealed at this time.

Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz was first with the news Tuesday, as the team confirmed it thereafter.

The punt return has become an increasingly coverage-dominated play. A couple of years ago, we saw most of an NFL season go by without a single TD. Raising the floor is more important than ever — teams can’t afford muffed punts.

Trent Taylor had 0 of those in 85 tries with 49ers

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) April 16, 2024

Trent Taylor, 29, was drafted with the 117th overall pick. in the 2017 NFL Draft by the 49ers. Revered for his versatility, Taylor quickly became a locker room and fan favorite in SF. He posted a career-best 430 receiving yards in his rookie season. The Louisiana Tech alum struggled to stay consistent after that, dealing with nagging injuries that derailed his 49ers’ tenure.

Taylor went on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears. However, he has been used more in special teams the last few seasons, recording 146 total returns since leaving San Francisco. The shifty WR has posted 9.4 yards per punt return on average in his career, and 13.3 yards per kick return.

He is expected to resume those roles with the 49ers, adding more reliability on special teams. The 49ers have struggled in that department, particularly last season after Ray-Ray McCloud missed time due to injury.

Trent Taylor returning to SF also reunites him with George Kittle, reestablishing the “Quality Time” moniker between the two.