Teams' attrition always surprises us, and the 2024 49ers are no exception.
Reports surfaced Tuesday that the San Francisco 49ers would be releasing three former third-round picks, including wide receiver Danny Gray and tight end Cameron Latu, as well as seventh-round pick tight end Brayden Willis.
All three have had sporadic success with the Red and Gold, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough and they are set to be placed on waivers this week.
The Athletic's Matt Burrows first reported the news.
First surprise of the day: The 49ers waived tight ends Brayden Willis and Cameron Latu, both 2023 draft picks, with Latu a third-round pick, per source.
Both are candidates for the practice squad once they clear waivers.
— Matt Burrows (@mattbarrows) August 27, 2024
Danny Gray, 25, was a third-round pick of the 49ers in 2022 after transferring from SMU. After a big preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, Gray has been inconsistent, recording just one catch for 10 yards in his NFL career, and has had injuries, missing the entire 2023 season with a shoulder issue.
It was a similar story for 24-year-old Cameron Latu, who missed all of last season after dealing with major lower-body issues during the preseason. Since then, the Alabama native has struggled to rise through the depth charts and has never been a complete tight end for the 49ers.
But the biggest surprise was the departure of Willis. The 24-year-old Oklahoma native joined the team as the fourth option during his rookie year. Willis has since developed into a versatile pass, run and special teams player for the 49ers.
Both players could join the 49ers' practice squad if no other teams claim them.
The 49ers still have plenty of roster cuts to make after one of the worst days of the NFL's entire year.
#49ers Reported reductions:
WR Danny Gray
WR Robbie Chosen
QB Tanner Mordecai
RB Keshawn Vaughn
RB Matt Breida
P Presley Harvin
Office Lady Louis Kidd
WR Jontre Kirklin
— Rohan Chakravarti (@RohanChakrav) August 27, 2024
San Francisco 49ers 2024 schedule:
Regular Season
Monday, September 9 vs. New York Jets – 5:15 p.m. PDT Sunday, September 15 vs. Minnesota Vikings – 10:00 a.m. PDT Sunday, September 22 vs. Los Angeles Rams – 1:25 p.m. PDT Sunday, September 29 vs. New England Patriots – 1:05 p.m. PDT Sunday, October 6 vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 p.m. PDT
