49ERS CUT EIGHT PLAYERS AHEAD OF TRAINING CAMP IN MAJOR ROSTER SHAKEUP

The San Francisco 49ers have made their first major roster decisions ahead of training camp, releasing eight players as the organization begins trimming its roster in preparation for another Super Bowl chase. With expectations remaining sky-high entering the 2026 season, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are wasting no time making difficult personnel decisions.

Although training camp has yet to officially begin, the front office has already started separating the roster by moving on from players who were unable to establish themselves during organized team activities, mandatory minicamp, and offseason workouts. The moves reflect San Francisco’s commitment to creating maximum competition before the first practice even takes place.

League sources indicate the coaching staff carefully evaluated every position group throughout the spring before deciding which players would continue into camp. Rather than carrying additional depth players into July, the 49ers chose to open roster spots for younger prospects and players they believe have a stronger chance of contributing during the regular season.

The eight players reportedly released ahead of training camp are:

1. WR Isaiah Hodgins

Hodgins returned to San Francisco hoping to carve out a role in a crowded receiver room. While he displayed reliable hands during offseason workouts, he was unable to separate himself from younger receivers competing for backup positions.

2. RB Ameer Abdullah

The veteran running back brought leadership and experience, but the 49ers ultimately prioritized younger backs with greater upside and special teams value as they continue building depth behind their starters.

3. OL Austen Pleasants

Pleasants battled throughout OTAs and minicamp but struggled to earn a clear advantage over several developmental offensive linemen. His release reflects the fierce competition along San Francisco’s offensive front.

4. TE Brayden Willis

Willis showed flashes as both a receiver and blocker but found himself buried on one of the NFL’s deepest tight end depth charts. The coaching staff ultimately decided to move forward with other options entering camp.

5. DL Alex Barrett

After spending multiple seasons within the organization, Barrett became another difficult roster casualty. San Francisco continues to emphasize youth and explosiveness along the defensive line, making his release part of the team’s long-term roster strategy.

6. CB Tre Swilling

Swilling impressed at times during offseason practices but faced an uphill battle in an increasingly talented secondary. With several young defensive backs emerging, the competition simply became too difficult to overcome.

7. LB Curtis Robinson

Known for his work ethic and contributions on special teams, Robinson remained a respected presence in the locker room. However, roster numbers forced the 49ers to make another difficult decision at linebacker.

8. S Tayler Hawkins

Hawkins entered the offseason looking to secure a backup role in the secondary, but San Francisco’s growing depth at safety ultimately left him without a roster spot before camp opened.

These moves send a clear message throughout the organization: nobody’s position is guaranteed. Every player reporting to training camp will be expected to earn his role through performance rather than reputation. That competitive mindset has become one of the defining characteristics of Kyle Shanahan’s program and a major reason the 49ers have remained among the NFL’s elite teams in recent years.

Several of the released players could quickly find opportunities elsewhere. Teams around the league closely monitor early roster cuts, particularly veterans capable of adding depth during camp. Strong preseason performances or injuries elsewhere could create new opportunities for many of them before the regular season begins.

Inside the 49ers’ facility, however, the attention now turns to the players who remain. Position battles at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, and defensive back are expected to dominate headlines once training camp gets underway. Coaches will closely evaluate every practice rep as they begin constructing the final 53-man roster.

With another championship run firmly in their sights, San Francisco is determined to enter the season with the strongest roster possible. Every decision made over the coming weeks will be focused on maximizing talent, improving depth, and ensuring the team is prepared for another demanding campaign in one of the NFL’s toughest conferences.

For the 49ers, the message couldn’t be any clearer: the road to the 2026 season has already begun, and the competition started well before the first whistle of training camp. Every roster move from this point forward will be made with one objective in mind—bringing another Lombardi Trophy back to the Bay Area.