It's been an eventful summer for the San Francisco 49ers, desperately hoping to bounce back after a miserable 2024 campaign that saw the Super Bowl runner-ups fall short of the postseason.
Obviously, the talent on this roster is one of a group that can compete for a championship. Injuries derailed last season, yet fresh off a major extension for quarterback Brock Purdy, San Francisco one again figures to battle in the NFC.
Not every part of the summer has gone well, though, and it's become obvious that the 49ers need to consider breaking up with one veteran running back following OTAs.
70 days until Memphis Tiger football and Patrick Taylor's swell 70 yard touchdown run during the 2018 AAC Championship game at UCF (UCF radio) pic.twitter.com/NBYA3kjyCw
— Jeb Hill (@memphistigerjeb) June 20, 2025
49ers Have No Choice But to Cut RB Patrick Taylor Jr. After OTAs
27-year-old running back Patrick Taylor Jr., who fared decently well in limited action in 2024 during his first year with the team, projects as the fourth halfback at best. Now that the franchise drafted standout Jordan James, there's little room for an aging player like Taylor.
Originally an undrafted free agent out of Memphis, Taylor spent the early portion of his career with the Green Bay Packers before joining San Francisco. He had 39 carries for 183 yards and a TD in 2024, but that's hardly enough to overcome James, Isaac Guerendo, and Christian McCaffrey.
Perhaps Taylor could catch back on with a practice squad, though it'd feel foolish at this point for the 49ers to keep him on the active roster. There are bigger needs elsewhere, especially if James turns into what fans believe he will, and a healthy season from McCaffrey will do wonders.
The biggest issue for James is his age. 27 is hardly old, yet it certainly is by NFL terms. He's past his prime as a running back. Offering limited upside at the position, it makes little sense to keep him around.
That's nothing against James, and he could likely still achieve success in head coach Kyle Shanahan's system. The front office's actions speak volumes, though, and he'll likely be an early cut come training camp.