Marquise Goodwin is headed west for the next phase of his career.
The 26-year-old wide receiver will agree to terms on a contract with the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Details of the new deal are not yet available. Goodwin spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills.
More #49ers news: #Bills WR Marquise Goodwin is headed to the #49ers. Kyle Shanahan loves speed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2017
Marquise Goodwin Set to Sign With San Francisco 49ers
2016 was a prolific year of sorts for Goodwin. He made nine starts and finished as the Bills third-leading wideout with 431 receiving yards and three touchdown catches. Both totals were career highs.
As a rookie, Goodwin contributed both in the Bills receiving corps as well as on special teams. Along with his three touchdown grabs, he had 351 kick return yards and averaged 21.9 yards per return.
But Goodwin struggled with injuries over his next two seasons in the league. He appeared in just 12 games, made no starts, and managed 66 receiving yards. He also dealt with a concussion last year.
A speedy receiver with the ability to get behind opposing defensive backs, Goodwin is an ideal fit in new Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He’s also not the only player at the position San Fran added on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, the team signed former Washington Redskins receiver Pierre Garçon.
In addition to his football exploits, Goodwin is an accomplished long-jumper. He won two college national titles in the event and represented the United States at various international events. At the 2015 Pan-American Games, he won the silver medal with a jump of 8.27 meters (27 feet, 1.5 inches).
The Bills drafted Goodwin in the third round (78th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at Texas where he finished with 1,769 yards from scrimmage and ten total touchdowns. He also added a kickoff return touchdown as a freshman.
