49ers make free agency move that could shake up running back depth chart behind Christian McCaffrey

The San Francisco 49ers have typically carried four running backs on their 53-man roster under Kyle Shanahan, and they added a fourth to the mix on Wednesday with the signing of Patrick Taylor Jr.

Former Green Bay Packers back Taylor has signed on a one-year deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 25-year-old saw limited action as a runner out of the backfield during his three seasons with the Packers. His 32 carries for 141 yards last season marked career-highs, while he also had 11 catches, but only managed 49 yards receiving.

But Taylor has value on special teams, having played 230 snaps in that area of the game over the last two seasons, and could vault his way up the depth chart behind Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey because of his proficiency in one critical area.

Taylor ranked 10th among running backs with at least 25 pass blocking snaps in Pro Football Focus pass blocking grade on true pass sets.

While Taylor excels as a pass blocker, the 49ers' other backups at the position, Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason, have each struggled in that area of the game, limiting their time on the field.

If Taylor makes the 53-man roster, he could have a chance to supplant at least one of that duo on the depth chart and get on the field in 21 personnel looks when the 49ers want to get McCaffrey out on a route.

Such snaps may still be limited for Taylor given the Niners' 21 personnel looks typically feature fullback Kyle Juszczyk, but his signing is not one that should be overlooked. Despite his lack of production, Taylor does have one edge over the players with whom he will be vying for snaps and it may be enough for him to have a larger role than the low-key nature of his arrival suggests.