Report: 49ers release 2016 receiving leader Kerley

The San Francisco 49ers have informed receiver Jeremy Kerley of his release, a source told Matt Maiocco of NBS Sports Bay Area.

Kerley led the 49ers in receiving in 2016 with 64 catches for 667 receiving yards. He signed a three-year contract extension with the 49ers in March worth $10.5 million.

The move comes as a surprise given general manager John Lynch was the one who signed Kerley, and the 49ers receiver corps is lacking experienced pass catchers. Kerley was projected to be the 49ers slot receiver, but it appears Aldrick Robinson may now be the one to fill that role.