Now the 49ers are apparently after him with a late offer
US View: Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne close to signing Detroit Lions deal, but still wanted in San Francisco
FOX SPORTS February 25, 2015 2:24PM
COULD there be a final twist in Jarryd Hayne NFL signing saga?
Hayne is expected to sign a futures deal with the Detroit Lions in the coming days, but northern Californian media outlets are still holding out hope the former rugby league star signs with the San Francisco 49ers.
While Hayne?s Wikipedia page is already trumpeting that he has joined Detroit, Matt Barrows, writing in the Sacramento Bee, said there was still a chance he could opt for the warmer climate of San Francisco and a futures contract with the 49ers.
?The 49ers are one of a handful of teams in the running to sign former Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne, who presumably would compete for the role of return specialist in 2015,? Barrows wrote.
?The 49ers last year mainly relied on then-rookie Bruce Ellington in the return game even though Ellington had limited experience handling punts in college. The 49ers ranked 29th in punt-return average (6.5 yards) and ninth (24.5 yards) in kick-offs.
?San Francisco also signed former LSU standout Trindon Holliday in December. Holliday, 28, is 5-5, 166 pounds while Ellington, who could have a bigger role at receiver in 2015, is 5-9, 197 pounds.
?Hayne would offer more heft.?
Kevin Lynch, writing in the San Francisco Chronicle, noted that ?Hayne could be the next 49ers? experiment?.
?Hayne was (a) star down under and now the 226-pound running back and kick returner is looking to play in the NFL and 49ers could be one of three teams that are interested,? Lynch writes.
Mike Huguenin, writing for the NFL?s official website, said Detroit remained favourites to secure the services of Hayne, whom he described as an ?intriguing? rookie prospect.
?While everyone who went to the combine now is gearing up for a pro day, Hayne already has had his version, on Dec. 5 in San Diego, in front of representatives from 16 NFL teams.,? Huguenin wrote.
?Hayne measured in at 6-foot-2 and 226 pounds, and ran the 40-yard dash somewhere in the low 4.5 range (his clockings were handheld). He also went through drills run by former NFL running backs coach Clarence Shelmon.
?His 40 time matched up well with most of those posted by running backs at the combine.?
Aaron Wilson, the Ravens beat writer for The Baltimore Sun, penned an interesting article on Hayne on the National Football Post website.
Aside from well documented discussions from Detroit, San Francisco and the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson noted that the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets ?have also shown interest in Hayne?.
Wilson added that the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins and requested video footage of Hayne?s Pro Day workout at the University of San Diego.
?Hayne trained at Jay Glazer?s Unbroken workout facility,? Wilson wrote. ?He also had several kick return sessions, including catching punts from Sav Rocca and Mat McBriar while being tutored by Darren Bennett and Tim Dwight.
Kyle Meinke, writing for the Michigan Live website, suggested Hayne could make an immediate impact on the Lions? roster in 2015.
?At 6-foot-2 and 226 pounds, he projects as a tailback,? Meinke wrote.
?The Lions are looking for help at the position after falling to 28th in rushing last season. They return leading rusher Joique Bell, but have yet to commit to former starter Reggie Bush.
?They also return No. 3 tailback Theo Riddick, as well as No. 4 George Winn.
?When Hayne signs, he?ll be competing for a spot in that rotation as well as on special teams."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/us-view-former-nrl-star-jarryd-hayne-close-to-signing-detroit-lions-deal-but-still-wanted-in-san-francisco/story-e6frf3ou-1227238476490
