The 49ers have finalized their 53-man roster ahead of the 2025 season, meeting the NFL’s cut-down deadline by 1 p.m. PT. After a busy preseason period, San Francisco confirmed a mix of veteran presence and young upside to shape the team for Week 1.
Key moves on the transactions front included bringing in offensive lineman Michael Dunn and wide receiver Malik Knowles on one-year deals to bolster depth. To clear space on the roster, the club waived/injured running back Corey Kiner and released defensive lineman Demone Harris, among other adjustments made to hit the 53-man limit.
Coaches and front office also balanced the final cuts with some familiar names departing, as a number of players were released as part of the roster trimming process. The 49ers will now shift their focus to evaluating the final depth chart and preparing for the season opener.
On the broader landscape, ESPN’s projection of the top 100 players for 2025 includes six members of the 49ers, underscoring the club’s talent base and the expectations for another competitive campaign.
What this means going forward:
– The additions at O-line and receiver give the team modest but meaningful depth as the offense looks to maintain its rhythm from last season.
– The cuts at running back and along the defensive line open opportunities for younger players to step up, particularly in special teams and rotational roles.
– With several core players and a few emerging contributors, San Francisco appears intent on maintaining a well-rounded roster capable of adapting to a variety of game plans.
If there’s a hopeful takeaway, it’s that the 49ers are balancing veteran know-how with youth, aiming to keep the roster flexible and resilient through a demanding schedule. Fans can anticipate a competitive year as the team builds chemistry and depth across both sides of the ball.
Summary: The 49ers trimmed to 53, added Dunn and Knowles, released Harris and Kiner, and left room for development across the roster while keeping a steady eye on performance and future potential.