Ashley Lelie signs with the San Francisco 49ers
April 12, 2007
It seems like the San Francisco 49ers are signing back many of their former free agents. Ashley Lelie is the latest to sign a two year contract with the Niners. So far the Niners have signed back four free agents, and they did so in just four days.
Lelie played for Atlanta in 2006 and it wasn’t one of his best seasons. He only caught 28 passes for 430 yards. He started playing for Atlanta after the Broncos traded him late in training camp. The Niners want Lelie regardless of his performance in 2006 because they need a top receiver since they are letting Antonio Bryant go.
During his time with the Denver Broncos, Lelie was in top shape. He had 3,003 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. According to Mike Nolan, coach for the 49ers, Lelie can and will get back in shape. Lelie had offers from other teams, such as Houston, but he decided to play for the Niners. He said that the San Francisco 49ers is the best team to offer him a chance of becoming one of the greatest players around.
Antonio Bryant was let go by the Niners because he had a chaotic season. In the beginning of the season he was a promising player and even got a huge signing bonus. But by the end he violated NFL’s policy on substance abuse and was consequently suspended for four games.
Lelie does not have problems with the coaches or the law. This does not mean he is not a controversial player though.
During his time with the Denver Broncos in 2006, Lelie did not attend the off-season workout program. He argued that his skills were not properly used and he demanded to leave town. The Broncos eventually traded him to the Atlanta Falcons. An arbitrator was employed to solve a financial disagreement over Lelie’s departure from the Broncos.
Lelie still regrets his time spent with the Denver Broncos. He regrets the manner in which he left and he also regrets not playing better. Atlanta did not prove to be more pleasant as Michael Vick had already forged a bond with the receivers.
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