NFL Free Agency: San Francisco 49ers Looking at WR Austin Collie?

August 19, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie (17) warms up on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers have a problem at wide receiver now that Michael Crabtree is going to be gone for a while. The 49ers may attempt to fix this issue through NFL free agency by bringing on former Indianapolis Colts receiver Austin Collie.

Collie worked out with the 49ers in June, but nothing has happened since. Marc Sessler of NFL.com says the interest is still there, but nothing may happen until camp starts:

"NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported last month that former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie staged a promising workout with the 49ers in June, but no contract was offered. Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee reported Friday that Collie still is on the radar, but the 49ers are unlikely to add another free-agent pass-catcher until after training camp starts."

The Spin: This is a smart move for the 49ers. Collie is going to come at a cheap cost. There is a scary injury history with Collie, but at the cost he’ll be asking it will be a low risk – high reward type scenario.

If anything, Collie may be able to contribute in a positive manner until Crabtree returns. Veterans like Anquan Boldin are still around, but having a stop-gap, insurance policy like Collie.

Follow me on Twitter for more NFL news and analysis @Chris_Roling