The 49ers will release offensive lineman Senio Kelemete en route to the 53-man deadline (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). He’ll likely reappear on the Niners’ 16-man practice squad, Pelissero hears.
Kelemete joined the Niners in June to provide some much needed OL depth in the wake of Justin Skule‘s season-ending ACL tear. However, the 49ers prefer the rest of their options at tackle and guard, including incumbent backup guard Tom Compton.
Kelemete came into the league as a fifth-round pick of the Cardinals in 2012. After one year in the desert, he spent the next five years with the Saints followed by three years with the Texans. He still had one year to go on his Texans deal, but they released him in February to save $1.73MM against the 2021 salary cap.
Kelemete appeared in 14 games with five starts for the Texans last season. For his career, he’s made 42 total starts at different positions along the offensive line. His versatility could make him an appealing pickup for other clubs, which would rule him out for the Niners’ taxi squad.
Well when the team won’t even give you a jersey then you know your not for long.