49ers news: Should Jordan Mason be the primary kick returner in 2024?

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With the San Francisco 49ers ready to kick off the season on Monday and the new kickoff rules, it has been widely debated and speculated who is best suited to become the primary kick returner. The new rules have turned the kickoff into a single play, essentially with the same amount of blockers on each side.

Let’s be frank. The 49ers haven’t had a difference-maker returning kicks for quite some time. The 49ers offense has had to march down the field from the 25-yard line or worse for the most part.

The question is: Which 49er should be the primary kick returner?

Isaac Guerendo

Guerendo is dealing with a tweaked groin following his electric return against the Las Vegas Raiders. The former Louisville running back is best suited for this role with his one cut-and-go speed. Unfortunately, a second leg injury is holding the rookie back from stepping right into the role.

Depending on how the 49ers look without Guerendo returning kicks, a strong performance from another 49er could push Guerendo from the job. As of now, Guerendo has the highest ceiling of any 49er player to succeed at this position.

Jordan Mason

Mason is currently listed as the kick returner for Monday on the first unofficial depth chart. The issue is with Elijah Mitchell placed on injured reserve and Guerendo likely to miss Monday’s opener, Mason is the only capable back behind Christian McCaffrey.

It does make sense to utilize Mason in this role in a pinch, but the 49ers will have to lean heavily on McCaffrey against the Jets without any reps during training camp while dealing with a calf injury. Hopefully, this is a one-week deal, but if Mason succeeds in the role, then it could impact his weekly snap share, relieving McCaffrey.

Deebo Samuel

This seems like an obvious choice, given the nature of the kickoff and Samuel’s ability to create with the ball in his hands. In my opinion, using Samuel could be an ace up Kyle Shanahan’s sleeve and only used in a time of need.

The 49ers didn’t show any plans for the season with their kickoff returns during the preseason. Perhaps, Shanahan has a play installed for Samuel on kickoffs to jumpstart the offense and team in a bind.

Other/The field

Jacob Cowing is listed as the team’s punt returner and should hold that role throughout the season, barring an injury or poor play. Ronnie Bell remains on the 53-man roster and has special teams and returner experience, but isn’t an explosive option.

Unless the 49ers make a move for a veteran during the season, the field has the least likely chance to return kicks in 2024.

What are your thoughts? Which choice is the 49ers best choice for kick returner in 2024?