Niners Nation
It’s not unusual for teams to have several transactions during training camp. Battling attrition can be challenging when you’re trying to balance injuries, rest, and proper reps; it’s one of the many tasks head coaches have to juggle.
The San Francisco 49ers are no strangers to injuries, which is why we’ve seen so many roster moves in recent weeks. Not all transactions are due to poor player performance. Sometimes it’s not a fit, other times it’s culture-related, while injuries, of course, are another reason.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. A trio of 49ers who were recently released will get a shot with another team. It’s always more interesting which team values a player.
The Green Bay Packers went 23 years without drafting a wide receiver in the first round before 2025. They claimed wide receiver Isaiah Neyor on Wednesday. We thought Neyor would be the player during the preseason who makes a lot of splash plays. Neyor had one splash play on the second day of training camp, but was a ghost after that, ultimately leading to his release.
The Packers drafted Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third round this past year. Christian Watson is hurt. Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed aren’t scaring any secondary. That leaves Dontayvion Wicks. Perhaps a simplified route tree will help Neyor sneak onto a playoff roster in need of wide receiver help.
The New Orleans Saints claimed tight end Mason Pline off waivers Tuesday afternoon. He was an undrafted free agent in 2024. Despite being 6’6″, 254 pounds, Pline never earned meaningful consecutive reps with Brock Purdy or the first team. Pline was a basketball convert whom the Niners no longer felt was worth investing in. Pline goes to a team that’s giving Taysom Hill a chance at tight end.
The final player claimed was cornerback Tre Avery. Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots are taking a shot on Avery. San Francisco’s cornerback room has multiple injuries and has had players miss time for various reasons. The 49ers being comfortable enough to waive Avery tells you everything you need to know about how Robert Saleh felt about him.
Quarterback Tanner Mordecai went unclaimed. He was waived for Gus Bradley’s son, Carter. Still, it’s unlikely the 49ers head into the regular season with more than two quarterbacks.
