It feels like Richie James has been on the 49ers for more than three years, but the seventh-round pick in 2018 is entering his fourth year with the team. Before 2020, James was primarily utilized as a return man. As a rookie, James famously returned a kick for a touchdown. The next season, he was one of the better punt returners in the league.
Finding a place for him on offense wasn’t easy, but that changed last season as James nearly quadrupled his receptions from the season before and more than doubled his yards. All in all, James averaged 35 yards receiving per game, which was up from ten during the two previous seasons.