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Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 San Francisco 49ers in danger of getting cut after 2025 minicamp
The post 3 San Francisco 49ers in danger of getting cut after 2025 minicamp appeared first on ClutchPoints. The San Francisco 49ers had a disappointing season plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Now, they look to bounce back and reclaim their spot as NFC West champions. But not everyone will be around to see it happen. Three 49ers players are in danger of not making the roster after the 2025 minicamp concludes, and two of them formerly were roster locks. Advertisement John Lynch admits last season was a struggle, and the 49ers paid dearly for bad play and inconsistency around them. When the season began, many in the NFL believed they might contend for the Super Bowl after barely losing to the Kansas City Chiefs the previous season. Instead, they cratered. Injuries happened, and off-the-field incidents plagued the team. The 49ers are hopeful they can turn things around. Notably, a last-place schedule and a fresh roster give them some confidence. Nevertheless, some players may not be available. Russell Gage Jr. has struggled in the NFL Russell Gage Jr. has been inconsistent in his time in the NFL. So far, he has not played in two full seasons and might not be able to bounce back. Advertisement Gage was a sixth-round draft pick out of LSU in 2018. Notably, he has played 74 games in his career and started 25 of them. Things were going relatively smoothly until injuries hit. Due to numerous injuries and team changes, he has not played since 2022. Gage joined the 49ers roster in 2024, sliding into the practice squad. Gage is at minicamp and is attempting to make the final cut of the 49ers roster. However, he is behind several wide receivers on the roster. Even if Brandon Aiyuk misses time, Gage is still behind Jacob Cowing, Isaiah Neyor, Isaiah Hodgins, and Jordan Watkins in the pecking order. Gage needs to deliver an excellent performance in the 49ers minicamp to have a chance to make the roster. Robert Beal lacks the defense to be a lock The 49ers' special teams were atrocious in 2025. It was so bad that Kyle Shanahan fired Brian Schneider after the season, indicating that San Francisco needed to make changes. Advertisement Robert Beal was one of the few exceptions. After drafting him in the fifth round in 2023, the 49ers had high expectations for him. Beal thrived on the special teams, making plays when needed. Unfortunately, his season ended early, as an ankle injury sidelined him. When San Francisco drafted Beal, they saw him as a rotational piece who could contribute on defense. However, he has had just one sack in three full seasons. The 49ers loaded up on defense in the 2025 NFL Draft. Part of that was arguably because Beal was no longer seen as a reliable option on the defensive side. There is a chance that he can still make the roster due to his ability on special teams. However, the 49ers are deep at defensive end and might want to use a spot for a guy who can contribute on that side of the football. The only positive about Beal is that he is big, and coaches love how he gets off the edge. Still, he must show that he can do more and fully develop as an all-around player if he wants to be on the 49ers roster. Jake Moody must outkick the competition Many people believed the 49ers would draft a kicker to replace Jake Moody. Instead, they signed Greg Joseph to a one-year deal. That makes the 49ers minicamp very interesting. Now, there is a legitimate chance that Moody could not make the 49ers roster. This is very telling, as the 49ers drafted Moody with a third-round pick in 2023. Advertisement Moody went 11-for-20 on field-goal attempts last season, enduring one of the worst sophomore slumps seen in recent memory. Furthermore, many of his misses cost the 49ers some critical games. Moody missed a field goal in a 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He missed three field goals against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before finally hitting the game winner. However, the list extends even further beyond that. In the previous season, Moody missed a critical extra point against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Had he made that, the 49ers would have been up 17-13 instead of 16-13. Thus, it would have forced the Chiefs to go for a touchdown instead of a field goal with the clock running low. If that had happened, the 49ers might have won. Now, he has competition. If Moody cannot show in minicamp that he is the player the 49ers thought they were drafting, then there is a legitimate chance he won't be around once the 2025 season begins. Related: 49ers' George Kittle reveals what makes Kyle Shanahan different Related: 49ers' George Kittle teases Brock Purdy over massive contract extension
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
George Kittle on Robert Saleh's return: Violence is coming
George Kittle doesn't play defense, but Robert Saleh's return to the 49ers still has him fired up. Saleh built a strong defense when he was the team's coordinator from 2017-2020 and turned that success into a job as the head coach of the Jets. Saleh couldn't reach the same heights in that role and was fired during the 2024 season, which left him available for a second stint with the NFC West club this year. Advertisement During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show this week, Kittle shared a message for the rest of the league about what Saleh's return to the team will mean. "Violence is coming is what I would say," Kittle said. The tight end expanded on his thoughts about what Saleh brings to the table. "He's really good at his job, and I'm really excited that we somehow convinced him to be our defensive coordinator again," Kittle said. "He knows what he's talking about, he's inspiring, he gets the boys fired up, and he just happens to also be really, really smart. So, I'm pumped to have him back in the building, just hanging out with him a little bit, talking about stuff. You can just tell he's ready to roll this year, and he's gonna get the boys fired up." The 49ers selected defensive players with their first five picks in this year's draft and the new blood will be needed after a slew of departures on that side of the ball this offseason. If Saleh can mold them into a similar unit to the one he built in his first 49ers run, a rebound from last year's disappointing season in Northern California could be in the cards.
NBC Sports
10 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
George Kittle on Robert Saleh's return: Violence is coming
George Kittle doesn't play defense, but Robert Saleh's return to the 49ers still has him fired up. Saleh built a strong defense when he was the team's coordinator from 2017-2020 and turned that success into a job as the head coach of the Jets. Saleh couldn't reach the same heights in that role and was fired during the 2024 season, which left him available for a second stint with the NFC West club this year. During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show this week, Kittle shared a message for the rest of the league about what Saleh's return to the team will mean. 'Violence is coming is what I would say,' Kittle said. The tight end expanded on his thoughts about what Saleh brings to the table. 'He's really good at his job, and I'm really excited that we somehow convinced him to be our defensive coordinator again,' Kittle said. 'He knows what he's talking about, he's inspiring, he gets the boys fired up, and he just happens to also be really, really smart. So, I'm pumped to have him back in the building, just hanging out with him a little bit, talking about stuff. You can just tell he's ready to roll this year, and he's gonna get the boys fired up.' The 49ers selected defensive players with their first five picks in this year's draft and the new blood will be needed after a slew of departures on that side of the ball this offseason. If Saleh can mold them into a similar unit to the one he built in his first 49ers run, a rebound from last year's disappointing season in Northern California could be in the cards.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
3 things that could make or break the Rams' NFC West title defense
3 things that could make or break the Rams' NFC West title defense The Rams won the NFC West in 2024, but staying on top won't be easy After returning to the playoffs in 2023, the Los Angeles Rams exceeded expectations in 2024 and reclaimed the NFC West crown for the first time since 2021. Los Angeles now enters the 2025 season with momentum, but also with pressure to stay atop a division that saw only the Rams play in January off a 10-7 record following a 1-4 start and it wasn't until Week 14 that the team managed to get over .500. To stay on top, Sean McVay's team must address three critical areas that could make or break their bid for back-to-back division titles. Keep QB Matthew Stafford clean on the blind side The Rams' offense goes as far as Stafford can take it, but only if he's upright. The 37-year-old signal caller was protected fairly well last season, having been sacked 38 times, which was tied for 13th fewest, but questions now swirl around the left tackle spot. Alaric Jackson, who signed a three-year, $57.75 million contract extension back in February, is battling blood clots that have now cast doubt on his availability. While D.J. Humphries was signed as insurance, he's two years removed from an ACL tear suffered late during the 2023 season and also injured his hamstring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs last year. Behind him, depth is thin. This means the Rams must either trust Humphries or veteran David Quessenberry, who the Rams signed back in May to a one-year deal, to be a full-time solution. If the left tackle position becomes an issue, Stafford's efficiency and this offense's explosiveness could take a hit. Get the Stafford-Adams connection rolling The Rams made one of the splashiest moves of the offseason by bringing in All-Pro WR Davante Adams. But a bold move only pays off if the chemistry follows. Replacing a franchise great in Cooper Kupp isn't about swapping targets, it's about recalibrating the offense. Adams thrives in isolation routes, crisp timing, and red-zone precision. That demands a new layer of McVay's playbook and fast-track chemistry with Stafford. Suppose the Rams can't quickly build a rhythm between Stafford and Adams. In that case, they risk becoming predictable, or worse, inefficient, against elite defenses like San Francisco, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, who all loom on L.A.'s 2025 schedule. Reinforce the secondary While the front seven has promising talents like Jared Verse, last years defensive rookie of the year, Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner, the Rams' secondary remains a glaring concern. In the defensive backfield, they've ranked 20th the past two seasons in passing defense, allowing 231.1 yards per game in 2023 and 223.1 yards in 2024, while also ranking middle of the pack in passing yards allowed per attempt at 6.7 last season and despite having a pair of solid veterans in Ahkello Witherspoon and Darious Williams, they have yet to land a proven CB1 for 2025. The options? Bring in a veteran like Stephon Gilmore. Make a splash by trading for Jalen Ramsey, or bank on internal growth from players like Cobie Durant, who finished with 40 tackles, eight deflections, and an interception last season. Without a stable boundary presence, the Rams could continue to be vulnerable against the NFC West's improved passing attacks. Bottom Line The Rams have the roster to run the West. But every contender has soft spots. If L.A. can patch the left tackle situation, turn Adams into an every-week weapon, and fix their secondary leaks, the road to the NFC West still runs through Inglewood. If not? The door could swing wide open for the 49ers, Seahawks, or Cardinals to crash the party.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking the NFC West's starting QBs: Where does Matthew Stafford stand in 2025?
Ranking the NFC West's starting QBs: Where does Matthew Stafford stand in 2025? Experience, upside, and system fit all play a role in this year's NFC West QB rankings. The NFC West has an intriguing group of starting quarterbacks. On one end, you've got a Super Bowl champ still slinging it at age 37. On the other, a former No. 1 pick is trying to reclaim his spark. Adding to the mix is a former Mr. Irrelevant who just signed a five-year, $265 million contract extension and a one-time top prospect, now a journeyman coming off a career year, who is looking to prove that last season was no fluke. As we head into the 2025 season, the division offers a mix of battle-tested veterans, rising stars, and question marks. So how do these four quarterbacks stack up? Let's break it down and rank the four starters leading their respective clubs. 4. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks Why: Darnold steps in as a placeholder in Seattle after Geno Smith's departure. At 28, the former No. 3 overall pick in 2018 was finally able to put all the pieces together in 2024 having led the Minnesota Vikings, his fourth team in seven years, to a 14-3 finish while recording career-highs in passing yards (4,319), completions (361), completion percentage (66.2), and touchdown passes (35). While the playoffs told a different story, and the Vikings are now ready to go all in with J.J. McCarthy, Darnold has earned himself a more than fair chance to try and show that last season was not a one-year wonder-type deal. 2025 outlook: Seattle, who added Cooper Kupp in the offseason but will now be without DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, will likely lean on its run game and defense. Darnold could surprise Klint Kubiak's offense, but consistency from one good year to another is key here until he shows it; he's the most unproven starter in this division. 3. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals Why: Murray might still have the highest ceiling of any QB in this division, and for the first time in a while, he's entering a season with real momentum. After returning from his ACL injury midway through 2023, Murray finally played a full season in 2024, his first since 2020, and reminded everyone of his dual-threat ability. Despite Arizona's 8-9 finish, Murray had the Cardinals in playoff contention through the first 10 weeks with a 6-4 record. He threw for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns and added 572 rushing yards, his most since his Pro Bowl year in 2020, plus five scores on the ground. 2025 outlook: Now, with a full offseason healthy, year three in Drew Petzing's system, and a core that features second-year WR Marvin Harrison Jr., a consecutive 1,000-yard back in James Conner, and last season's breakout tight end Trey McBride, the table is set. He's a wild card, but if the former 2019 No. 1 overall pick stays healthy and consistent, he could vault up this list fast. 2. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers Why: It's been a remarkable rise for Purdy, from the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft to now one of the league's highest-paid quarterbacks. While he may not have the biggest arm or the flashiest skill set, Purdy has consistently done what many quarterbacks with better tools can't: win. He's already led the 49ers to the playoffs twice, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2023. And while San Francisco's talent-rich roster and Kyle Shanahan's scheme deserve credit, Purdy's efficiency, toughness, and poise under pressure are undeniable. The results last season may not have been the same, but there's no doubt he's shown he can handle the moment and lead his team on any given Sunday. 2025 outlook: Despite the loss of Deebo Samuel, if his supporting cast can stay healthy and he can cut back on turnovers and reclaim his 2023 form, when he led the league in yards per attempt and passer rating while taking advantage of a division that did not have a clear-cut runaway team last year. In that case, there's no reason he can't elevate the 49ers back to playoff contention as well as be viewed as a top-12 QB league-wide. Now with a hefty new deal, the pressure is on to deliver. 1. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams Why: Even at 37, Stafford is still the most proven and complete quarterback in this division. He played in 16 games in 2024 and has missed just three games over the last two seasons while leading the Rams back into contention. He has thrown for over 3,700 yards in each of the past two years and 20-plus touchdowns while cutting back on turnovers despite a young supporting cast. While Cooper Kupp is gone, Puka Nacua continues to break out, Kyren Williams is blossoming, and now Davante Adams is joining the mix, so Stafford is positioned to thrive. His arm talent, experience, and clutch playmaking still separate him from the rest. 2025 outlook: While his 40-plus touchdown passing days might be over, if his arm holds up and Sean McVay keeps dialing it up with a now reloaded offense, Stafford could flirt with a top-10 QB season.
