Ashley Lelie

Lelie signed a two-year contract with San Francisco today, the fourth prominent free agent to join the 49ers during a four-day spending spree that included re-signing several of their own free agents.

The 49ers reached a tentative agreement during the weekend with Lelie, a fleet deep threat who had a disappointing season with Atlanta in 2006, catching just 28 passes for 430 yards after being traded by the Broncos late in training camp.

But San Francisco is again in need of a top receiver after cutting troubled Antonio Bryant on Thursday. Coach Mike Nolan believes Lelie can return to the form he showed during four strong seasons in Denver, when he had 3,003 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns while twice leading the NFL in yards per catch.

Lelie said he chose the 49ers over Houston and other suitors because of "the opportunity to start and be a player in this league."

"This team gave me the best chance to go after that," Lelie said. "It's definitely a great organization. I get to try to fill the shoes of one of my favorite players of all time, Jerry Rice."

San Francisco also re-signed fullback Moran Norris and offensive lineman Tony Wragge on Monday.

The 49ers released Bryant after one tumultuous season with San Francisco that began with a hefty signing bonus and ended with Bryant on a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Lelie joins receivers Arnaz Battle and Bryan Gilmore and tight end Vernon Davis to augment an unimpressive group of targets for quarterback Alex Smith.

The 49ers will attempt to add another receiver through free agency or the draft. Although Lelie intends to be San Francisco's No. 1 receiver, he has no problem with other pass-catchers coming to town.

"It's a chance to be the No. 1 receiver, a chance to compete for that spot," Lelie said. "I didn't think I had a fair chance at the other two places I was at, and the 49ers are giving me that opportunity. ... I wouldn't be upset at all. I welcome the opportunity to compete."

Lelie doesn't have Bryant's history of run-ins with coaches and the law, but has endured his share of controversy.

He skipped the Broncos' offseason workout program in 2006 and demanded to leave town because he felt Denver wasn't making use of his skills. Denver traded him to the Falcons in a three-way deal, but Lelie and the Broncos went to an arbitrator to resolve a financial dispute over his departure.

Though Lelie still is bitter about the circumstances surrounding his departure from Denver, he also blames himself for inconsistent play. He also never felt comfortable in Atlanta after arriving in an August trade when Michael Vick already had formed a bond with the Falcons' other receivers.

"In the past in my career, I didn't really play well consistently," Lelie said. "That was probably just a lack of being in the right offense and getting thrown the ball consistently. I think 49ers fans will see the best of me."

Lelie is the third former University of Hawaii player on the 49ers' roster, joining linebacker Jeff Ulbrich and defensive lineman Isaac Sopoaga.

The 49ers signed cornerback Nate Clements and safety Michael Lewis last Friday, then added defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin on Saturday, making ample use of more than $30 million in cap room for the upcoming season.