The excitement of the pre-season is over. Along with the other 31 teams in the league, the 49ers finalized their final 53-man roster…or have they?
The Trades.
There are few surprises on the roster. First, the last-minute trades leading up to cut down day are telling. Coach Shanahan wanted proven depth at running back and Brian Robinson Jr. was available. This acquisition may turn out to be the most underrated transaction in the NFL.
Brian Robinson Jr. is a power back with receiving skills playing in a Shanahan offense. If McCaffrey goes down, Robinson has proven he can carry the full load. Hopefully they both stay healthy and the Niners can lead the league rushing.
Brian Robinson’s acquisition also helps Brock Purdy. The Niners signal caller now has another proven asset to hand the ball off to. Additionally, Robinson is a reliable receiver out of the backfield giving Purdy yet another red zone asset.
The acquisition of Skye Moore clearly signaled a dissatisfaction with draft pick Junior Bergen. Junior was brought in to be a returner and offer depth at receiver. Bergen failed on both counts. Skye Moore brings experience at both positions. He is a nifty route runner and an above average returner. Moore also brings valued Super Bowl experience.
The Niners desperately needed depth at receiver. Demarcus Robinson is suspended for three games. Unfortunately, Jordan Watkins and Jauan Jennings still recovering from injuries. It is unclear if either will be ready for week one. Hedging their bets, the 49ers signed four receivers to the practice squad including Marquez Valdes-Scantling (MVS). It is ironic that three former Chiefs receivers are on the Niners roster. (Former Chiefs are MVS, Robinson and Moore).
The Jauan Jennings Problem.
The Jauan Jennings drama is concerning. He feels his production last year should net him a larger pay day. The 28-year-old has been the consummate team player. The question is, does 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns of production deserve 20 million a year.
While I love the player, I would have to say no. I am for a modest bump in pay given last year’s contribution, and this year’s depth issues. However, 20 million seems excessive given his previous three years of production. In the three years leading up to last year, Jennings caught a TOTAL of 88 receptions for 963 yards and seven touchdowns.
Jauan Jennings has shown himself to be a reliable pass catcher in clutch situations. Yet, a 150% increase in pay for one years of production is too much. A fair contract would be an incentive laden agreement that could bring him near the 20 million a year mark. I think the 49ers should consider guaranteeing ten to eleven million a year for three years and give him eight to nine million a year in incentives. This keeps him hungry and productive and protects the team on the salary cap if Jennings fails to reach his incentives.
The Trenches.
The 49ers offseason focused on revamping the defensive line. To many fans’ frustration, they appeared to ignore the offensive line. Appearances can be deceiving.
Rookie Guard Connor Colby graded out very well pre-draft, yet he fell due to concerns about his ability to pass protect. Those concerns appear to have been alleviated by the 49ers coaching staff as he has protected very well, allowing no pressures in preseason play.
The 49ers also snatched up rookie free agent guard Drew Moss in the offseason. Moss also allowed no quarterback pressures earning him an 83.7 pass protection grade from Pro-Football Focus.
On the defensive line, rookies Mykel Williams, C.J. West and Alfred Collins all made the team and look to be significant contributors this year. Additionally, the 49ers traded for Bryce Huff and picked up Jordan Jefferson off the waiver wire. Huff has been a bright spot this off-season. Jefferson brings depth to the interior defensive line. As a fourth-round draft pick from LSU, and second year NFL player, Jefferson possesses great potential.
The Sultan of Swarm.
Last year Malik Mustapha earned the “Sultan of Swarm” pre-draft grade. This year, Kansas State’s Marques Sigle earned the moniker, and John Lynch grabbed his man in the fifth round. Sigle anchored KSU’s secondary over the last two years. He is smart, fast and productive. It looks like he will have his chance to start as a rookie for the 49ers.
The rest of the back seven.
The Niners secondary only returns three players from last year while the linebacking corps returns three. With the additions of Upton Stout, and Nick Martin, they have opted to develop depth. Chase Lucas and Darrell Luter Jr. have grown up thru the practice squad program and have finally earned the reward of an active roster spot.
The Quarterback Room.
This is the most curious part of the squad. The 49ers signed and dropped Tanner Mordecai and dropped Carter Bradley multiple times throughout the pre-season. Both players brought something a bit different. Tanner is highly mobile while Carter has a rocket arm. Put them together and you might have a serviceable player. That must have been Shanahan’s thought as well. Neither player made the roster or the practice squad.
Instead, the 49ers brought in the 2024 Birmingham Stallions championship winning Arian Martinez. He spent last season on the Jets practice squad. Adrian brings extreme mobility, and experience to the practice squad roster.
Expected Additions in the 2025 Season.
It is anticipated that Brandon Aiyuk and Malik Mustapha will join the active roster approximately midway thru the season. Given the NFL’s attrition rate, those additions may come at just the right time. Demarcus Robinson’s camp and pre-season production guarantees him a roster spot, and he will return to the 49ers for game four against Jacksonville.
During the first few weeks, we should not be surprised to see the 49ers bring up MVS or Robbie Chosen from the practice squad given the lack of depth at receiver. Additionally, I am interested to see if Sebastian Valdez is called up for any games this season. He was highly productive, despite how undersized he is.
On to the Seahawks!! GO NINERS!
