The Kansas City Chiefs just snagged Bryson Eason off waivers, a move that should have San Francisco fans scratching their heads. Eason, an undrafted defensive tackle the 49ers let walk, was claimed by the Chiefs who sat at 9th on the waiver wire. Losing a promising young talent like this because of a “numbers game” feels like a missed opportunity in shaping the roster for the grind ahead.
Eason’s Preseason Performance Was More Than Solid
Look, Eason didn’t just *show up* in preseason. He had a strong Week 1, and overall, he played well. The guy looked the part. He was a smart player who could hold his own against the run, which is exactly what you want from a defensive tackle. While he didn’t offer much in the passing game, let’s be real, that’s often true for a majority of defensive tackles across the league. What’s wild is that Eason actually outplayed Alfred Collins during the preseason. You could even argue he was just as good, if not better, than CJ West in those games. But when draft status plays a part in these decisions, the guys with the draft capital, like Collins and West, stick around. It’s an unfortunate loss for the 49ers, sacrificing a performing player for guys they invested in a year ago.
Waiver Wire Woes and a Glimmer of Practice Squad Hope
The reality of being 28th on the waiver wire means you’re not picking up many players. It’s the consequence of coming off a season where you won a playoff game, which is great, but it limits your immediate roster flexibility. The 49ers are mostly stuck with what they already have when it comes to claiming players. This low position means teams like Kansas City get first dibs on guys who clear waivers. However, teams can still poach players for their practice squads once they clear waivers. That’s where a guy like Kapena Gushiken comes in. This undrafted rookie safety out of Ole Miss is an athletic marvel, clocking a 4.35 40, a 41-inch vertical, and an 11-foot broad jump. He even registered the third-fastest GPS time in college football back in 2024. Vic Fangio nicknamed him “Gush” during OTAs, and he even worked with Eagles starters at times during training camp. He looked like a lock until the final preseason game where he missed three tackles, gave up a first-down reception, and allowed a touchdown. Prior to that, Gushiken was an aggressive tackler and gave up next to nothing in coverage, plus he was active on special teams every game.
As the dust settles on these early roster moves, the 49ers are navigating the tough choices that come with roster cuts. Losing Eason stings, but keeping an eye on practice squad additions like Gushiken will be key to see who can step up as the regular season truly kicks off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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