The San Francisco 49ers made several notable cuts to their roster during the first week of NFL free agency. The 49ers released veterans Leonard Floyd, Maliek Collins, Kyle Juszczyk, Javon Hargrave, and Taybor Pepper.
Juszcyk re-signed with the 49ers on a two-year deal, while Floyd, Collins, and Hargrave found new opportunities on the first day of the new league year. While 49ers fans weren’t surprised Hargrave was cut, they were shocked that Pepper was among that group.
Pepper was reportedly released at the start of the new league year Wednesday after spending five years with the 49ers.
The 30-year-old long snapper was entering the last year of the three-year extension he signed back in 2023. Pepper was surprised to be cut by the Niners and said on social media that he wanted to finish his career in San Francisco.
Thank you Faithful! Wanted to end my career with the 49ers, but I’ve still got some years left in the tank.
— Taybor Pepper (@TayborSnapping) March 13, 2025
Love all the amazing players I’ve gotten to share the field with during my time. I’ll deeply miss all of the amazing support staff that continue to keep the org moving. pic.twitter.com/8EPRuPoNfO
"Thank you Faithful! Wanted to end my career with the 49ers, but I’ve still got some years left in the tank. Love all the amazing players I’ve gotten to share the field with during my time. I’ll deeply miss all of the amazing support staff that continue to keep the org moving."
Long snappers don’t get a ton of attention, which is a good thing. It means they are doing their job and not messing up the snaps on special teams. Pepper appeared in 80 games with San Francisco, including not missing a single game over the last four years.
Given his experience in San Francisco and with the Miami Dolphins, Pepper should find a new opportunity this offseason. It might not happen immediately as most teams already have their long snapper on the roster.
The 49ers replaced Pepper with Jon Weeks, who had spent his entire 15-year career with the Houston Texans. The 39-year-old brings a ton of experience to the position and the special teams room, which is good for new special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, who was hired earlier this year.