According to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, the 49ers plan to re-sign RB Shaun Draughn and give him the opportunity to compete for a job next summer.
Maiocco mentions that Draughn has done a good job as the team’s featured running back with Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush and Mike Davis all dealing with injuries.
In fact, Browns HC Mike Pettine told reporters earlier in the week that they knew Draughn was a solid player, but they elected to cut him loose to maintain depth at other positions.
“When Shaun Draughn was here, we knew he was a good football player,” Pettine said. “He got caught up in the numbers game a little bit. We had some other backs we wanted to get out there. It doesn’t surprise us he’s having the success that he’s had. Anybody who knows Shaun and been around him knows he’s a great kid, high character, works hard, will do everything you ask and more. All he does is go out and play hard.”
Draughn, 28, originally signed on with the Redskins as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina back in 2011. He lasted just a few months in Washington before he caught on with a number of teams including the Chiefs, Ravens, Colts, Bears, Chargers, and Browns.
Draughn signed an exclusive rights tender back in March with the Browns, but was unfortunately among their final roster cuts at the start of the season.
This season, Draughn has appeared in nine games and ran for 192 yards on 58 carries (3.3 YPC) to go along with 24 receptions for 164 yards receiving and one total touchdown.
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THE INCONVENIENT TRUTH: When it comes to who goes and stays after the Pre-season, the Baalke and his GM team says ““He got caught up in the numbers game a little bit. We had some other backs we wanted to get out there.” Yes, lets’s examine all we have drafted and are gone! Just look at all those starters and sold back ups now in Seattle as well as starters on other NFL teams! Hum…
Doubt he will ever be a feature back but has great value as a legit backup. Solid 3 down back with Special Teams ability will be able to make a living in the league without ever being a star.