49ers smartly use NFL rules to their advantage on roster cutdown day
The initial 53-man roster almost always quickly changes in the days after it is announced, and the 49ers will alter theirs on Wednesday to bring back two veterans who did not make the cut. Defensive linemen Kerry Hyder Jr and Austin Bryant were both released by the 49ers on Tuesday. However, per Matt Maiocco of […]
The initial 53-man roster almost always quickly changes in the days after it is announced, and the 49ers will alter theirs on Wednesday to bring back two veterans who did not make the cut.
Defensive linemen Kerry Hyder Jr and Austin Bryant were both released by the 49ers on Tuesday. However, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, they will soon be back with the team, with the 49ers using the NFL rules to their advantage to keep them around.
As both Hyder and Bryant are vested veterans, the 49ers were able to release the pair knowing neither is subject to waivers. That meant the Niners could make arrangements to re-sign them, and that is what San Francisco plans to do, with their releases simply procedural moves.
The benefit of releasing and re-signing Hyder and Bryant for San Francisco is that it ensures their salaries will remain non-guaranteed.
San Francisco will create roster spots for both on Wednesday, swelling the ranks on the defensive line to 10, a number that doesn't include Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, whose contract holdout is reaching a worrying stage.
Hyder and Bryant each figure to play valuable rotational roles on the defensive front. Entering his third season with the 49ers, Hyder brings useful inside-out versatility, while offseason signing Bryant offers untapped potential as a designated pass rusher with his explosiveness and flexibility off the edge.
San Francisco's defensive line performance will hinge primarily on Bosa and on the interior pressure the likes of Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead can generate.
However, the 49ers will be in an even better spot up front if Hyder and Bryant can deliver consistent production as part of a D-Line rotation that has been the strength of the defense for many years.
Breaking down the 49ers’ initial 53-man roster
The talent they’ve let go is an illustration of how deep they are.
Featured Image Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
