The San Francisco 49ers have signed wide receiver Quinton Patton to a four-year deal. The team also claimed tight end/long snapper Kyle Nelson off of waivers from the San Diego Chargers. To make room on the roster for Nelson, the team has waived punter Anthony Santella.
Patton (6-0, 202) was the first of the 49ers two fourth-round draft picks (128th overall) in this year's draft out of Louisiana Tech University. A team captain in 2012, Patton earned First-Team All-WAC honors in each of his two seasons for the Bulldogs. He finished his Bulldogs career starting all 25 games and ranked seventh in school history in receptions (183), receiving yards (2,594) and third in touchdown receptions (24). He began his collegiate career at Coffeyville Community College prior to transferring Louisiana Tech.
Patton, a 22-year old native of Nashville, TN, attended LaVergne High School where he earned Class 5A All-Region IV honors, as a senior.
Nelson (6-3, 240) rejoins the 49ers after spending part of the 2012 training camp with the team. He was later signed by the Philadelphia Eagles on September 25, only to be released the following week on October 2. Nelson then signed a two-year deal with the San Diego Chargers on November 20 before being waived on May 20, 2013. He originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2011, and also spent time on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad that same year.
Nelson, a 26-year old native of Waco, TX, played collegiately at New Mexico State, where he played tight end and long snapper. Over the course of his career, he recorded 66 receptions for 559 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Santella (6-2, 190) had been signed by the 49ers on May 3.
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