49ers Roster Purge Continues, Set To Release This 9-Time Pro Bowler

Teams around the NFL began their roster building on Monday during the start of free agency. Franchises like the Patriots and Commanders bolstered their talent pool by spending big money, as did the Bears and Bengals. But some teams saw major change by way of subtraction, and perhaps none more than the San Francisco 49ers.

49ers Part Ways With Kyle Juszczyk, Among Many Others

Their appearance in Super Bowl 58 feels like it may as well have happened in another lifetime. The 49ers were favored to take down the mighty Kansas City Chiefs in that game, and even took them to overtime before suffering a heartbreaking loss. But they had established themselves as one of the elite teams in the league, and were considered one of the handful of contenders for the 2024 campaign.

Due to injuries and some obvious age and regression, San Francisco didn’t exactly live up to those expectations. After finishing in first place in the NFC West twice in a row, the 2024 49ers wound up with a 6-11 record, and in dead last in their division standings. They missed the playoffs for the first time in four years, and it was understood that there would be some changes during the impending off-season.

But few predicted that their roster would see the purge that it has. By the time the evening rolled around on the first night of free agency, San Francisco had seen 9 starters and contributors jettison for greener pastures.

It started last week, when fan favorite wide receiver Deebo Samuel was traded to the Commanders. On Monday, guys like Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and Chavarius Ward signed with other teams, and they weren’t the only ones. Offensive linemen Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore are gone, as are running back Elijah Mitchell and defensive lineman Jevon Hargrave.

As the day turned to night on Monday, the 49ers parted ways with one of their longest tenured players. After spending the last 8 years in San Francisco, it was announced that fullback Kyle Juszczyk would be released. He has been one of the team’s most important players during his tenure despite not putting up big numbers and statistics, and has qualified for the Pro Bowl in each of his seasons in red and gold.

San Francisco did make one signing during Monday’s flurry. Former Jaguars tight end Luke Farrell agreed to a deal with the 49ers, one that will pay him $20.25 million over the span of three years.