The San Francisco 49ers announced they have signed wide receiver Ryan Whalen to a one-year deal. In order to make room on the roster, the team has waived/injured safety Jered Bell.
Whalen (6-1, 200) was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round (167th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. He spent three years (2011-13) with the Bengals, appearing in 17 games and registering 11 receptions for 80 yards. He also appeared in two postseason contests (one start), finishing with two receptions for 24 yards. Following his release from Cincinnati on August 25, 2014, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings on August 1, 2015, and spent training camp with the team before being released on September 5, 2015.
A 27-year-old native of Alamo, CA, Whalen attended Stanford University, where he appeared in 48 games (27 starts) throughout his four-year career (2007-10).
Whalen will wear No. 81.
Bell (6-1, 205) originally signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent from the University of Colorado on May 6, 2016. He appeared in 49 games (20 starts) during his career with the Buffaloes and registered 134 tackles, eight interceptions and six passes defensed.
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