Veteran wide receiver Marqise Lee lands with 49ers following Patriots release

Recent New England Patriots wide receiver Marqise Lee has found his next roster.

The San Francisco 49ers announced the addition of the veteran on a one-year deal Monday, as first reported by NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

Lee, 29, had been released by New England in March after free agency brought the arrivals of fellow wideouts Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor.

The Patriots originally agreed to terms with Lee last spring on a one-year contract that featured $300,000 guaranteed and qualified for the minimum-salary benefit. The contract tolled after the 6-foot, 196-pound USC product opted out of the 2020 season due to Covid-19 concerns.

Lee entered the league in the second round of the 2014 draft with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former unanimous All-American and Biletnikoff Award winner would appear in 59 games and start 30 while a Jaguar, catching 174 passes for 2,184 yards and eight touchdowns.

Lee missed the entirety of 2018 campaign after tearing the ACL, MCL and PCL in his left knee during a preseason matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. A shoulder injury saw Lee return to Jacksonville’s injured reserve the following campaign after six games and three receptions.