The San Francisco 49ers made some moves recently that will help this team heading into the 2025 season. Those additions, while far from game-changers, will help shore up the team going forward. However, when new talent comes in, old talent has to go to make room for them. Sadly, this means that some guys who were almost locks to make the roster no longer are.
So, what three names do we think are going to see the door?
RB Jeff Wilson
The acquisition of Brian Robinson will play a major role in the upcoming season for the Niners. At 6'1, 225lbs, he's the biggest and most bruising runner the Niners now have. He's the perfect complement to the do-all nature that is Christian McCaffrey. His addition will turn the perception of the team around heading into the regular season.
Unfortunately, his arrival means the end of the road (more than likely) for Jeff Wilson. Wilson was already the low man on the list before Robinson's arrival, and his trade to the Niners means the end of the line for Wilson, the once and former running back.
WR Junior Bergen
The name most likely to be cut here is going to change depending on who you ask, but Junior Bergen seems to be the first name off the board for many. Bergen had a real shot of making the 53-man roster out of camp.
The Niners had a depth issue at receiver when training camp began. Since then, however, the Niners acquired Robbie Chosen in free agency and Skyy Moore in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. These two moves sured up the back end of the roster, and made a guy like Bergen a luxury piece the San Francisco 49ers can no longer afford.
S Jaylen Mahoney
It was looking good for Jaylen Mahoney. He was one of, if not the most impressive, defensive players for the San Francisco 49ers in both of his first two preseason games for the 49ers. If he had a third game of the same caliber, or even came close, it would be hard to justify cutting Mahoney.
That said, one of his long-time concerns is his coverage skills. It's been an issue at this level, but it looked like Mahoney had gotten things shored up. Then he went out against inter-state rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, and put up one of his worst outings as a pro. He needed three spectacularly strong outings to even warrant real consideration. According to PFF, he mustered just a 39.8 for the game. It was a lackluster outing that ended any real conversation of him sticking around long-term.
Unlike the others on this list, no late addition to the roster is the reason for Mahoney not making the team. It was simply him coming up just a tad too short.