Ok, so yesterday I went over 5 players who could sneak their way onto the 49ers 53-Man Roster, but today let’s look at 5 players who could be in danger of losing their spot on the 53.
Wide Receiver Richie James Jr.
While James seems to be a favorite of coach Shanahan, he’s never really been able to showcase, or step up, he seems to be a player that gets 1 or 2 good plays every game or so, but for the most part the 49ers have to rely on Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Kyle Juszyzck, and whoever is at running back to give them something.
Another reason I can see James losing his spot, is his return ability, or lack of it. He has the speed, but he seems to have issues securing the ball, he muffed one, luckily he recovered it, in the Super Bowl, and he had a muff, that ended up being a turnover, and points for the other team in 2020.
I still think James is more likely locked into a spot, but if he shows up, and doesn’t play well, then someone like Jauan Jennings, Travis Benjamin, or Mohamed Sanu Sr. could end up taking his roster spot.
The 49ers could also look to add a veteran, maybe Dede Westbrook if healthy, or a Golden Tate.
Tight End Charlie Woerner:
If the 49ers decide to keep just 3 tight ends, then Woerner looks like the odd man out, as there’s no way the 49ers release or trade George Kittle, while Ross Dwelley got his entire base salary guaranteed, and MyCole Pruitt got $500,000 of his base salary guaranteed.
The reason why Woerner may lose his spot, is due to not playing well in 2020, his best asset is his blocking skills, something he prides himself on, but he was average at best in 2020, plus he doesn’t offer much in the pass catching department, but that’s not to say he can’t develop into a good pass catcher.
I personally think the 49ers end up keeping all 4 tight ends I mentioned, but if the 49ers decide to go with just 3, then Woerner is likely the odd man out.
Defensive End Jordan Willis:
Some people have Jordan Willis as a lock, while I have him more on the strong bubble, while some have Arden Key as strong bubble, I have Key as a lock.
But for Willis, he’s never really lived up to his potential, and while he’s cheaper than Key would be, I just believe Key is a better player, with much more upside.
If Willis doesn’t make the team, it’s likely one of 2 reasons, 1. The 49ers decide to go with just 9 DL, or 2. Dee Ford is healthy enough for week 1, with them going with 10, as I have Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Samson Ebukam, Arden Key, Javon Kinlaw, Kevin Givens, Maurice Hurst Jr., D.J. Jones, & Zach Kerr as locks.
Another way Willis would be knocked off the roster, which I think is a long shot, is if the 49ers signed an EDGE rusher, someone like Melvin Ingram, or Justin Houston.
Cornerback Dontae Johnson:
Johnson hasn’t really been that bad over the past few years with the 49ers, but they sure could use an upgrade over him.
What Johnson has going for him is he can play both outside and in the slot, but he also seems to give up big plays, so that’s where someone like Jared Mayden comes into play, a guy, who I highlighted yesterday, that can play both safety spots, as well as cornerback.
Another option is of course signing a veteran, the biggest name being a guy the 49ers are familiar with, as he played for them the past 3 seasons, Richard Sherman.
But what’s the market look like for him? Well the Minnesota Vikings just signed Bashaud Breeland to a 1-year, $3 million deal, with $2.075 million guaranteed, so that’s most likely Sherman’s market.
Safety Marcell Harris:
Despite the fact that the 49ers gave Harris a decent sized amount of guaranteed money, that doesn’t mean his roster spot is 100% secure, but he does a lot of things well, and some things not so well, he’s had his issues in the passing game, specifically the 2019 game against the Saints, where he was picked on.
And even though the injury to Tarvarius Moore would seem to make Harris more than likely a lock, he’s not a free safety, he plays more of the hybrid strong safety/linebacker spot, another reason why the 49ers could opt to not keep Harris is the fact that they took USC strong safety Talanoa Hufanga in the 5th-round of the 2021 draft, who is also a player that can play the S/LB hybrid role.
Again I can’t say yes or no, but I still see Harris making it, but Tavon Wilson or Tony Jefferson could push Harris off the roster.
Here’s an honorable mention.
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair:
While Al-Shaair has played well when he’s been on then field, I wouldn’t say he’s the best fit for the 49ers at the strongside linebacker spot/#3 LB spot.
As I mentioned yesterday, I believe Justin Hilliard could sneak onto the roster, but also if the 49ers decide to release Al-Shaair, they could decide to go with 2 veterans as the backups, those being Nathan Gerry, & James Burgess Jr.
So with all of this said, I thank everyone for reading article, as always you can follow me on Twitter @49erscap, or leave a comment below, and I’ll get back to you.
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