The San Francisco 49ers made headlines on Friday with a series of practice squad transactions that caught the attention of NFL fans and analysts alike. In a surprising move, the team released defensive end William Bradley-King and signed defensive lineman Evan Anderson and offensive tackle Kilian Zierer to their 16-man practice squad, leveraging the NFL’s International Pathway Program to expand their roster to 17 players. These changes, announced just before Week 1, signal the 49ers’ strategic focus on bolstering their depth with young talent and international flair.
Defensive End William Bradley-King Released
William Bradley-King, a 27-year-old defensive end, was let go from the 49ers’ practice squad in a move that raised eyebrows. A seventh-round pick (No. 240 overall) by the Washington Commanders in the 2021 NFL Draft, Bradley-King played college football at Arkansas State (2016-19), where he earned All-Sun Belt honors twice, and at Baylor (2020). During his brief NFL career, he appeared in four games for Washington, recording seven tackles and a half-sack. After signing with San Francisco earlier this month and earning a practice squad spot following roster cuts, his release came as a surprise to many, given his experience and potential as a depth piece on the defensive line.
Evan Anderson Returns to the Fold
One of the new additions to the practice squad is defensive lineman Evan Anderson, a 23-year-old who originally signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Anderson, who played college football at Florida Atlantic from 2020-23, earned All-Conference honors in his final two seasons. Over 39 career college games, he amassed 146 tackles (21 for a loss), seven sacks, three fumble recoveries, and two passes defensed. In his rookie season with the 49ers, Anderson appeared in 12 games, contributing 24 tackles (two for a loss), one sack, and a forced fumble. Initially released during roster cuts, Anderson’s return to the practice squad underscores the team’s confidence in his ability to develop into a reliable rotational player.
Kilian Zierer’s International Pathway Signing
The most intriguing move was the addition of offensive tackle Kilian Zierer, a 25-year-old International Pathway Player born and raised in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Zierer’s journey to the NFL is a testament to his perseverance and talent. He began playing football at 16 with the Munich Cowboys before moving to the United States to pursue his dreams. After playing at the College of the Canyons (2018-19), he transferred to Auburn (2020-22), where he started every game at left tackle in 2022 and earned an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-7, Zierer went undrafted in 2023 and signed with the Houston Texans, but an ankle injury sidelined him for his entire rookie season. In 2024, he spent time on the Texans’ practice squad and had brief stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns before landing with the 49ers.
As an International Pathway Player, Zierer’s signing allows the 49ers to carry an extra player on their practice squad, expanding it to 17 members. This rule, designed to promote global talent in the NFL, gives San Francisco additional roster flexibility while providing Zierer an opportunity to develop and potentially contribute to the team’s offensive line depth.
What This Means for the 49ers
The decision to release Bradley-King in favor of Anderson and Zierer reflects the 49ers’ strategic priorities heading into the season. Anderson’s familiarity with the team and his productive rookie campaign make him a valuable asset for the defensive line, particularly as a player who can step in during injuries or provide depth in a long season. Meanwhile, Zierer’s addition brings an international dimension to the roster, aligning with the NFL’s efforts to globalize the sport. His size, experience, and potential as a left tackle could prove critical if injuries strike the offensive line, a unit that has been a focal point for San Francisco in recent years.
These moves also highlight the 49ers’ willingness to take calculated risks. Releasing a known quantity like Bradley-King, who has NFL experience, in favor of two younger players with upside suggests the team is investing in long-term development while maintaining flexibility for the immediate future. Zierer’s status as an International Pathway Player adds an extra layer of intrigue, as his exemption from the standard practice squad limit gives the 49ers a competitive edge in roster management.
Looking Ahead to Week 1
As the 49ers prepare for their Week 1 matchup, these practice squad changes signal their commitment to building a versatile and resilient roster. While Bradley-King’s departure is a loss of experience, the additions of Anderson and Zierer inject youth, potential, and international intrigue into the team. Fans will be eager to see how these moves play out over the course of the season, particularly whether Zierer can make the leap from practice squad to active roster and become a trailblazer for German-born players in the NFL.
With these transactions, the 49ers have sent a clear message: they’re not afraid to shake things up to prioritize talent and opportunity, even if it means making tough decisions. As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on San Francisco to see how these new pieces fit into their championship aspirations.