In a surprising turn of events, the San Francisco 49ers have released former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Marquez Callaway just days after signing him, leaving the veteran pass-catcher’s NFL future hanging in the balance. This marks the second time in 2024 that Callaway has been cut, raising questions about his ability to secure a stable roster spot in the league.
A Brief Stint with the 49ers
Callaway, who was recently added to the 49ers’ roster, was let go in a move that caught many off guard. The decision comes as the team evaluates its depth chart during training camp, opting to move on from the experienced wideout. This release follows a pattern of short stints for Callaway, who has struggled to find a permanent home since his promising early years with the New Orleans Saints.
Callaway’s Journey with the Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers initially brought Callaway onto their practice squad midway through the 2024 season to bolster their receiving corps. After signing him to a reserve/futures contract in January, the team decided to part ways in April. With Tampa Bay’s roster already stacked with 13 wide receivers, a reunion with the Buccaneers seems unlikely as they prepare for their preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans on August 9 at Raymond James Stadium.
A Promising Start Derailed
Callaway’s NFL journey began with promise as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2020. Over three seasons (2020-22), he appeared in 42 games, starting 17, and amassed 83 receptions for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns. His standout performance came on December 19, 2021, when he recorded a career-high six catches for 112 yards in a 9-0 Saints victory over the Buccaneers. However, New Orleans chose not to retain him after the 2022 season, sparking a series of short-lived stints with multiple teams.
A Career in Flux
Since leaving the Saints, Callaway’s career has been a whirlwind of roster changes. In 2023, he had brief stops with the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and a return to New Orleans, none of which resulted in a long-term role. In 2024, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers but was cut early in training camp. A subsequent reunion with the Saints lasted just ten days before he landed with the Buccaneers. His latest release from the 49ers adds to the uncertainty, with Callaway appearing in only five games over the past two seasons.
What’s Next for Marquez Callaway?
At this stage, Callaway’s NFL future is precarious. Despite his proven production earlier in his career, his inability to secure a consistent role has put him at risk of falling out of the league. With training camps in full swing, he will need to find another team willing to take a chance on his experience and potential. His versatility and past success could still appeal to teams seeking depth at wide receiver, but time is running out to prove he belongs in the NFL.
As the 2025 preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Callaway to see if he can defy the odds and carve out a new opportunity—or if this latest cut signals the beginning of the end for his professional football career.