Walking back Wayne Gallman and defensive end Arden Key visited the 49ers on Tuesday and reports surfaced on Wednesday that both players will join the club.
Gallman’s signing was officially announced by the club. The choice of the Giants in the fourth round of 2017 will bring some veteran depth into the backfield. Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. are the only players on the roster with significant NFL experience. Gallman had 338 carriers, 1,444 yards (4.3 YPC) and nine hasty touchdowns in four seasons with New York.
Key signing hasn’t been made official, but NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported the Raiders’ third round in 2018 will sign with the club after being eliminated by Las Vegas in mid-April.
The former two-time First-Team All-SEC roster saw its once top-five draft stock plummet during its final college season. He went from the best defensive players in the draft to a late pick on Day 2.
His high profit as a prospect did not pay off for the Raiders. In three years with the club, he posted 3.0 sacks and 26 quarterback hits in 37 games. The 49ers have shown a willingness in recent years to take risks on high-upside free agents who have not had much success in the NFL. Key will have the chance to compete for a rotation spot in a position where the 49ers urgently need some quality depth.