The San Francisco 49ers announced a flurry of moves Friday afternoon. In addition to waiving former second-round pick Drake Jackson, the team announced they waived offensive lineman Jalen McKenzie and waived/injured cornerback Tre Tomlinson.
Competition and depth added at offensive tackle
The 49ers also announced the signing of offensive tackles Andre Dillard and Nicholas Petit-Frere, as well as cornerback Dallis Flowers.
We discussed Petit-Frere in May as being a potential addition to the roster when the Tennessee Titans. Petit-Frere has struggled in pass protection since entering the NFL. His 10% pressure rate allowed is the second-highest among tackles with at least 500 pass-blocking snaps. In 2024, he allowed 11 sacks with the worst blown block percentage in the NFL.
It’s a way for the 49ers to find a way to find competition for Colton McKivitz. The former third-rounder is a buy-low option with minimal risk.
Dillard was a first-rounder in 2019. He spent his first three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before spending a year with the Titans and the Green Bay Packers last year. Dillard started ten games with the Titans at left tackle in 2023. He surrendered ten sacks.
So, the 49ers have multiple bodies to cycle through at offensive tackle in case Trent Williams doesn’t stay healthy or push McKivitz.
Seven draft picks signed
The 49ers also announced the signing of seven draft picks:
Nick Martin
Upton Stout
Jordan Watkins
Jordan James
Marques Sigle
Connor Colby
Junior Bergen
DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans set an uncommon precedence in the second round. They gave the 34th overall pick the first fully guaranteed contract for a second-rounder in NFL history. So, we could see more delays for second-round picks signing than usual.
Five undrafted free agents sign
The 49ers also announced the signings of five undrafted free agents:
Corey Kiner
Drew Moss
Isaiah Neyor
Jakob Robinson
Sebastian Valdez
Kiner, Moss, and Neyor have arguments for being similar, if not better, talents/fit than James, Colby, and Bergen. Don’t be surprised if at least one of these UDFAs earns a roster spot.
