The San Francisco 49ers got hit with some tough news right after final cuts, losing a couple of guys they probably hoped to keep around. Not only did they stay quiet on the waiver wire, not claiming anyone themselves, but they also watched two players get scooped up by AFC West teams. Undrafted defensive tackle Bryson Eason and veteran cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. are both gone, with Eason heading to the Kansas City Chiefs and Luter snatched by the Las Vegas Raiders, according to the NFL’s transaction wire. Talk about a double whammy, right when you’re trying to finalize that roster!
Eason Flashed Potential, Now He’s Wearing Red
Man, losing Bryson Eason stings because that dude really made some noise in training camp and even popped off a few times during the preseason. You gotta wonder if the Niners regret not being able to stash him away. The undrafted rookie out of the University of Tennessee was a grinder, playing 68 preseason snaps over three games. Pro Football Focus even credited him with a pair of run stops and a batted pass. He was clearly in a battle for a roster spot with fellow undrafted rookie James Thompson Jr., and Thompson Jr. ultimately won that fight. It’s a bummer to see that kind of potential walk right out the door to a rival conference.
Darrell Luter Jr.’s Depth and Special Teams Skills Are Gone
Then there’s Darrell Luter Jr. Losing him might be an even deeper cut for San Francisco’s secondary plans. This guy was a 2023 fifth-round pick, and the plan was probably to get him back on the practice squad. Think about it: he would’ve been the first call-up if they needed to dig into their internal depth at cornerback. He’s played some depth cornerback in his career, but his real value has largely been on special teams. Preseason numbers this year, per PFF, had him allowing a 39.6 passer rating on eight targets. That’s solid! Losing that reliable depth and special teams contributor to the Raiders of all teams, that’s just a tough pill to swallow for the 49ers.
What’s Next for the Niners After Missing Out on Waivers?
So, what happens now for the 49ers? They didn’t make any waiver claims, which means they’re not bringing in any immediate help from other teams’ cuts. All their other waived players are now unrestricted free agents, and you know some will probably be back on the practice squad. But with Eason and Luter gone, they’ve got to find replacements. This loss means the 49ers now have to seriously scour the free agent market. They’ll be looking to add to their practice squad and shore up the margins of their 53-man roster. It’s an immediate scramble to fill those holes and ensure they have the depth needed for the long haul of the regular season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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