Paul Gutierrez, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Hakeem Nicks to visit 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers, who are relatively light in experience at the wide receiver position, are playing host to veteran Hakeem Nicks for a free-agent visit.

Nicks is traveling Monday to Santa Clara, according to ESPN’s Josina Anderson.

A six-year veteran who was the No. 29 overall pick of the 2009 draft, Nicks had 1,000-yard receiving seasons for the New York Giants in 2010 and 2011. He signed with Indianapolis last year, envisioning becoming the Colts’ No. 3 receiver behind Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton.

But Nicks, 27, struggled and fell to No. 4 on the Colts’ WR depth chart, finishing with a career-low 38 catches for a career-worst 405 yards. He did, however, have four touchdown catches. He was the fifth receiver drafted in 2009, behind Darrius Heyward-Bey, Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin and Percy Harvin.

Earlier this offseason, the Niners signed receiver Torrey Smith to be their deep threat, along with Jerome Simpson. Smith, a second-rounder in the 2011 draft, 12-year veteran Anquan Boldin and Simpson, who may face a suspension to start the season, are the only receivers on the 49ers’ roster with at least six career catches.

Crabtree remains unsigned as a free agent, though Niners general manager Trent Baalke said last week at the NFL owners meetings that the 49ers’ first-round pick from 2009 was still on the table, so to speak.

Also, veteran linebacker Lance Briggs is scheduled to visit the 49ers on Monday.

ESPN NFL Nation Colts reporter Mike Wells contributed to this report.

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