The Jarryd Hayne experiment should continue for at least another year in San Francisco.
Niners general manager Trent Baalke and the 49ers are pleased with Hayne's work ethic and are optimistic about his future with the organization.
"He works hard and I would expect him to make a nice jump from year one to year two," Baalke told the Sydney Morning Herald. "Now is that going to be enough to establish himself on the 53 within this system, I don't know. But he's going to be given every opportunity like we promised him going into this."Â
The 49ers took a gamble last offseason signing the rugby star who prior to last season had never played football before. Hayne performed well in the preseason, resulting in him making the Niners' 53-man roster. The 27-year-old played in San Francisco's first six games, registering eight carries for 25 yards and returned eight punts for 76 yards. However, the 49ers placed Hayne on the inactive list in Week 7 and later cut him after muffing three punts in his first six games. San Francisco brought Hayne back to its practice squad in November and he was promoted again to the 53-man roster in Week 16.
Hayne's role with the 49ers will be an interesting storyline going forward in San Fran. The former rugby player went through growing pains adjusting to football, but showed some potential in limited action.
Chip Kelly coaching the 49ers could be beneficial for Hayne. Kelly is a crafty offensive mind, and his creativity could allow Hayne to make Year 2 an improvement from his up-and-down rookie campaign.
