Chris Conley's longevity in the NFL is quiet impressive
Chris Conley showed enough with the Niners last year to earn another look in '24.
By Matt Conner
For those fans in Chiefs Kingdom who like to keep tabs on familiar faces, one could be found on Saturday's list of transactions in the National Football League.
Over the weekend, the San Francisco 49ers decided to bring back wide receiver Chris Conley for another year. Conley, who will be 32 years old in October, has carved out an impressively long career after beginning his professional journey in Kansas City.
Chris Conley showed enough with the Niners last year to earn another look in '24.
The Kansas City Chiefs made Conley their third round selection back in the 2015 NFL Draft as a product of the University of Georgia. Former Chiefs general manager John Dorsey bought on Conley's track star speed in the hopes of stretching the field for Alex Smith around Jeremy Maclin and Travis Kelce.
Unfortunately, Conley suffered a preseason injury during his rookie year and an Achilles injury during his third season in the NFL. He never quite lived up to expectations in K.C. despite putting up modest numbers, and he was allowed to leave in free agency after his rookie deal ran out.
Following his four-year stint in K.C., Conley caught on with the Jacksonville Jaguars for two years and set career highs there for single-season totals in 2019 with 47 catches for 775 yards and 5 touchdowns. Following two years with the Jags, the Houston Texans signed him to consecutive one-year deals in 2021-22.
The Texans released Conley at midseason in '22 and he briefly returned to the Chiefs practice squad (a rare bit of trivia!) before being claimed by the Tennessee Titans. Last spring he tried out for the 49ers and has been with Kyle Shanahan's team ever since.
Chiefs fans saw Conley come up with a big catch in the Super Bowl for the 49ers, and it was one of multiple postseason highlights for Conley, who also brings strong special teams play to San Fran. Conley's not assured of anything next season but his experience in multiple areas could help him find another year of work in the NFL.
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