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49ers see Ryan Mathews as ‘Plan B’

By Ryan Ratty

Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) breaks a tackle by New England Patriots defensive tackle Chris Jones (94) during first half action at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) breaks a tackle by New England Patriots defensive tackle Chris Jones (94) during first half action at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ryan Mathews is “Plan B” for the San Francisco 49ers.

The San Francisco 49ers have changed their regime this NFL offseason. After firing Jim Harbaugh promoting Jim Tomsula to head coach, the 49ers will have a different coach in place. However, they still have a ton of talent on their roster.

Despite that, one player who could leave via free agency is veteran running back Frank Gore.

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While the 49ers will do their best to bring back Gore, who has played all ten of his NFL seasons in San Francisco, the reality is that he is looking to win a Super Bowl and for him to do that, he will need to sign with a contender. When the 2015 season rolls around, Gore will be 32 years-old. It’s safe to say at this juncture in his career, he’s more on the quest for a ring than money.

If Gore does go elsewhere in free agency, the 49ers have already started preparing for life after Gore. That interest is about a player who has shown the ability to be one of the best backs in the league when healthy. According to Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole, the 49ers see Mathews as a backup plan and he could very well be a member of the 49ers next season. Cole also reported that Mark Ingram is high on their wish-list, but between Mathews and Ingram, the difference is vividly clear. Mathews is more of a speed back, while Ingram is more of a power-back.

Even if Gore stayed in 2016, they would have an extremely talented guy in Carlos Hyde. The 2014 second-round pick has a ton of potential. He is one of the bigger backs in the league and by pairing with Mathews, the 49ers could have an excellent 1-2 punch. Obviously, this is still a developing story, but considering the prospects of Gore and free agency, the 49ers seem to have their contingency plan in place in Mathews.

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