Returning after a three-year absence, Trent Taylor has agreed to rejoin the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran wide receiver/return man’s return was confirmed by Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz tweets. The team has officially announced a one-year deal with Taylor.

Originally drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Taylor was not retained by the team after his rookie contract expired. He spent two seasons with the Bengals and then joined the Bears last year, where he served as the primary punt returner.

Taylor has a history with the 49ers, having been part of the team during Kyle Shanahan‘s first season as head coach. In 2017, he was heavily involved in the offense, recording 43 receptions for 430 yards and two touchdowns. Although his offensive usage has decreased since then, Taylor has remained a consistent punt returner for multiple teams.

During his time with the Bengals in 2022, Taylor averaged 10.3 yards per punt return, ranking sixth in the league. He continued his punt return duties with the Bears last season, averaging 8.3 yards per return. While his role as a receiver has diminished, Taylor made a significant contribution with a crucial two-point conversion catch in the Bengals’ AFC championship game win over the Chiefs in 2021.

With last year’s primary punt returner, Ray-Ray McCloud, no longer on the roster after signing with the Falcons, Taylor is likely to step into that role for the 49ers. Despite missing the 2019 season due to injury, Taylor returned to the Super Bowl stage with the Bengals two years later. As the 49ers aim for their sixth championship, Taylor’s return provides depth and experience in the return game.

While changes to kick-return rules have impacted team strategies, Taylor’s specialty has been in punt returns. The Louisiana Tech alum has a total of eight career kickoff returns in the NFL.