The 49ers are parting ways with Taybor Pepper, which means their roster deconstruction has extended to the specialists.
By know, San Francisco 49ers fans have grown accustomed to the team breaking down its roster bit by bit in what’s not a full-scale rebuild but rather a large-scale retooling.
Sure, there have been plenty of big names let go, including wide receiver Deebo Samuel, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Now, the Niners can add long-snapper Taybor Pepper to the mix of players who’ll be wearing another uniform in 2025.
Pepper is being released, as reported the Thursday following the start of the league new year, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan:
BREAKING—- #49ers long snapper Taybor Pepper is being released per source. During his five-years with the club, Pepper appeared in every single game and was on the final year of his three-year extension signed with the club in 2023
— Jennifer Lee Chan – also bluesky @jenniferleechan (@jenniferleechan) March 13, 2025
Pepper joined the club as a free-agent pickup in the middle of 2020, staying with the team in his role through 2024. While fans may not recall him aside from getting into a sideline scuffle with Samuel last season.
Not being noticed isn’t necessarily bad, though, as long-snappers who do their jobs well typically don’t command any attention whatsoever.
Why did the 49ers release Taybor Pepper?
It’s purely speculation at this point. But, given San Francisco’s cost-savings measures this offseason, it’s more than likely the front office saw the soon-to-be 31 year old as an expensive commodity at a position that shouldn’t require a lot of cash spend.
After all, Pepper was entering the final season of a three-year deal that averaged $1.32 million per.
The 49ers likely think there are far cheaper options out there, which can ultimately aid in saving money.
So, even the Niners’ cost-cutting measures are extending to the specialists now.
What an offseason!
