The San Francisco 49ers made headlines on Wednesday by re-signing three veteran players—tight end Eric Saubert, offensive lineman Ben Bartch, and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin—just one day after they were initially cut from the team. This move, described by insiders as “roster gymnastics,” is part of the 49ers’ strategy to navigate the NFL’s roster rules.
All three veterans were added back to the 49ers’ 53-man roster on one-year contracts, after being released during the final cuts to meet the NFL’s regular-season roster limit. The cuts were a tactical move to avoid guaranteeing the players’ salaries for the entire season, a common practice across the league.
In order to make room for these re-signings, the 49ers waived defensive end Sam Okuayinonu and placed guard Jon Feliciano (knee) and cornerback Ambry Thomas (forearm) on injured reserve. Both Feliciano and Thomas are expected to be sidelined until midseason.
Eric Saubert is now poised to begin the season as the 49ers’ No. 2 tight end, backing up starter George Kittle. With only Jake Tonges also listed as a tight end on the roster, Saubert’s role could be significant.
Sam Okuayinonu, meanwhile, is expected to return to the 49ers’ practice squad if he goes unclaimed by another team during waivers.
In related news, three young 49ers players were claimed off waivers by other teams: Running back Cody Schrader was picked up by the Los Angeles Rams, offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston joined the Carolina Panthers, and defensive back Samuel Womack was claimed by the Indianapolis Colts.
Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers continue to make strategic moves as they fine-tune their roster ahead of the upcoming season, balancing the need for veteran experience with the potential of younger talent.
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