As NFL roster cutdown day approaches, all 32 teams face the chaotic task of trimming their rosters, releasing 47 players who become available for other teams to claim or sign. For the San Francisco 49ers, this period is particularly critical. Plagued by injuries and uncertainties across their roster, the 49ers must scour the waiver wire to bolster key positions. With a roster that is simultaneously deep and depleted, the team faces vulnerabilities at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line. Here’s a detailed look at the positions San Francisco will likely target and the potential players they could pursue.
Quarterback: Searching for a Reliable Third Option
The 49ers are not expecting to find a franchise quarterback on cutdown day, but their current third-string options—Carter Bradley and Tanner Mordecai—leave much to be desired. With the NFL now allowing three quarterbacks to be active on game day, securing a competent third-stringer is essential. The 49ers may look to the waiver wire for a player with more upside than their current options.
Several quarterbacks could become available as teams finalize their rosters. The Cleveland Browns have already released Snoop Huntley, and other names like Skyler Thompson, Tommy DeVito, Kyle McCord, and Sam Hartman are likely to hit the waiver wire. Each of these players offers more intrigue than Bradley or Mordecai, potentially providing the 49ers with a developmental prospect or a more reliable backup. San Francisco would be wise to evaluate these options closely to shore up their quarterback depth.
Wide Receiver: Thin Room Needs More Firepower
The 49ers recently added Skyy Moore to their wide receiver corps, but this move feels like a temporary fix for a unit ravaged by injuries. Moore’s lackluster preseason debut highlighted the need for additional competition and depth. With the team unlikely to pursue a trade for a high-profile wideout, the waiver wire presents an opportunity to add talent to a position group that remains alarmingly thin heading into the season.
Several wide receivers could become available, including Laviska Shenault, KJ Hamler, Kendrick Bourne, Malachi Corley, AT Perry, and Jalen Reagor. Each brings a unique skill set—Shenault’s versatility, Hamler’s speed, or Bourne’s route-running could complement the 49ers’ offense. Given the team’s injury concerns and the need for reliable targets, San Francisco is likely to make additional moves to strengthen this group before the season begins.
Defensive Line: Depth Without Proven Starters
The 49ers’ defensive line presents a paradox: they have plenty of bodies but lack proven starters. Jordan Elliott, typically a reserve, is slated to start, while rookies Alfred Collins and CJ West failed to impress during the preseason. Kalia Davis and Evan Anderson have been relegated to the back end of the roster, raising questions about the unit’s ability to dominate the trenches. If a quality interior defensive lineman becomes available, the 49ers will need to act swiftly.
Potential targets on the waiver wire include DeWayne Carter, Taven Bryan, Tommy Togiai, Josh Tupou, Zacch Pickens, Brodrick Martin, and Cam Jackson. These players could provide the depth and upside San Francisco needs to solidify their defensive front. A savvy addition here could transform a position of concern into one of strength.
Opportunities Await
Roster cutdown day is always a whirlwind, but for the San Francisco 49ers, it’s a critical opportunity to address glaring weaknesses. With injuries exposing vulnerabilities at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line, the team must be proactive on the waiver wire. By targeting players like Thompson or DeVito at quarterback, Shenault or Bourne at wide receiver, and Carter or Bryan on the defensive line, the 49ers can patch holes and build a more resilient roster. In a league where depth and adaptability are paramount, San Francisco’s front office must seize this chance to turn cutdown day chaos into a competitive advantage.