The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for training camp, and with the deadline for the final cut-down looming, it's time to consider some potential surprise cuts. Here's a look at two players who could be on the chopping block, along with my analysis and commentary.
WR Demarcus Robinson
The 49ers have added some serious firepower to their wide receiver corps with Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, and they drafted De'Zhaun Stribling with their first pick. This means that someone is likely to be on the outside looking in. While Jacob Cowing, with his lengthy injury history, might be a consideration, he has a plus trait in speed and is on a rookie contract. That leaves Demarcus Robinson, who is entering his 10th NFL season and turning 32 in September.
Robinson had a strong finish to the season last year, but that was more due to a lack of options for Brock Purdy to throw to. For much of the season, he was non-existent. The addition of Kirk, who is coming off a productive Wild Card game, doesn't bode well for Robinson. Kirk brings something to the table that Robinson doesn't, and the 49ers didn't go out and add three wideouts just to bring back the same players they relied upon a season ago. This suggests that Robinson's days in San Francisco might be numbered.
The 49ers would eat $2.43 million in dead money if they cut Robinson, but his contract is structured in a way that could recoup $2.54 million in cap space next offseason, thanks to the void years. However, with the team's recent additions, it seems unlikely that they would keep Robinson around, especially given his age and the fact that he didn't perform consistently throughout the season.
S Ji'Ayir Brown
Ji'Ayir Brown is a serviceable player, and his release would be a surprise to some fans. However, there are some glaring weaknesses in his game that can't be ignored. Brown had a broken-plus-missed tackle rate of 22.2 percent last season, which is not ideal for a safety. In coverage, he allowed an average separation of 4.3 yards on 34 targets, with a -8.7 EPA and -11.1% catch rate over expectation. Despite this, he managed to force four touchdowns.
The 49ers might be confident in second-year pro Marques Sigle, who started Week 1 last season. However, releasing Brown would save the team $3.67 million in cap space, which could be used to make room for another player, like Jessie Bates. The move wouldn't happen unless Sigle takes a significant leap and becomes the starter, which is a risk the team might be willing to take.
In my opinion, the 49ers should consider cutting Brown, especially given his age and the team's recent additions at the safety position. The team's focus on improving the defensive line might also make Brown's weaknesses less noticeable, but that's a leap of faith. The cap space saved could be used to address other areas of need.
As the 49ers prepare for training camp, these surprise cuts could be on the horizon. The team's recent additions and the need to manage cap space suggest that some veteran players might be on the chopping block. The final cut-down date is approaching, and the team will need to make some tough decisions to shape their roster for the upcoming season.
