The San Francisco 49ers have not wasted any time making roster cuts as they finish up OTAs and prepare for mandatory minicamp.
Although we still have a while until training camp, the Niners front office and coaching staff are lightening their load a bit before they have to trim the roster down to 53.
This week, San Francisco has waived offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere. He was with the team for a little over a month after signing a free-agent contract on May 9.
Petit-Frere, 25, is approaching his fourth year in the NFL after spending three seasons with the Tennessee Titans before his release after last season. He had a decent rookie season in 2022, but the last two years have been rather forgetful.
In 2023, he missed a large chunk of the season because of a league-imposed gambling suspension, then only finished the year with three games played after hitting the injury reserve.
In 2024, he registered 10 starts in 15 total games, but received a below-average 46.5 overall grade by PFF. That mark ranked 122nd out of 141 qualified linemen.
The metrics weren’t the only thing hurting his cause either. Petit-Frere allowed 10 sacks (ranked 138th) and drew 10 penalties a year ago.
San Francisco must have seen more of the same in OTAs practice, leading to a move in different direction.
Petit-Frere is one of two veteran linemen signed late this offseason after the NFL Draft. San Francisco also added depth in Andre Dillard who will now play for his fourth team in four years.
The Ohio State Petit-Frere product will now be quickly back on the free agent market this offseason and search for his next opportunity to earn a 53-man roster spot.
Austen Pleasants now remains as the only backup to starting right tackle Colton McKivitz in San Francisco.