49ers Lose out on Wide Receiver Josh Morgan to Redskins

The Washington Redskins have made an early splash in free agency as they have inked former Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon and former 49ers receiver Josh Morgan to deals, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 49ers, who were reportedly hoping to re-sign Morgan, have missed their opportunity. Within the first two hours of free agency Morgan apparently has made the decision to return to his hometown in Washington, D.C.

Morgan, coming off a broken leg from last season, was an integral part of the 49ers' already weak receiving corps. Many speculated on what Morgan's market would be because of his injury. He was apparently in demand as he signed with the Redskins on what has been reported to be a two-year $12 million deal.

The 49ers are disappointed Morgan won't be with them this year, but they harbor no ill-feelings toward him. "I'm happy for Josh. I wish we could have had him, but he's getting to play at home and getting paid some money," 49ers running back Frank Gore said.

The 49ers added to their receiving corps Monday when they signed Randy Moss to a one-year $2.5 million deal. Many say the 49ers needed to keep Morgan if Moss was the only free agent wide receiver they were planning to re-sign.

Morgan had 220 yards receiving and one touchdown in only five games last year. In his best season Morgan recorded 698 yards and two touchdowns out of the slot. Only in his fifth year, Morgan still has some untapped potential, and appears to be a quality signing for the Redskins.

The Redskins are excited to have Morgan for this upcoming season. "Josh Morgan is a complete football player," head coach Mike Shanahan said. "He can block. He can run. He can catch. He’s one of the most underrated guys that I thought was out there when I talk about a complete football player."

Morgan, a sixth-round pick from Virginia Tech, is headed east where he will likely join Robert Griffin III, who the Redskins reportedly plan to draft with the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft. The Redskins have made it a priority to get going early in free agency to sign some young players to surround Griffin III.

Morgan is excited to return home to D.C. "The sky's the limit for us. I agree with the coaches: They said that the offense matches me and Pierre's talents," Morgan said. He added that returning home had "a whole lot to do" with him signing with the Redskins.

With Morgan, Garcon, Marques Colston and Vincent Jackson appearing to be off the market, the 49ers' options at adding to the wide receiver position appear to get even more limited.

Possible options left for the 49ers in free agency include: Reggie Wayne, Brandon Lloyd, Mario Manningham, Laurent Robinson and Mike Wallace (restricted free agent). Wayne and Lloyd both appear unlikely as Wayne will likely follow Peyton Manning, and Lloyd has been reported to want to go to New England to play with Josh Mcdaniels. Wallace, while a viable option, would cost the 49ers a hefty price tag. 

The 49ers also signed Perrish Cox Tuesday, who, like Moss, was not in the NFL last year.