HEADLINES

Al Netter

49ers Trim Roster Down To 53

August 30th, 2014 at 5:45pm CST by Luke Adams

5:45pm: The 49ers have officially set their 53-man roster, announcing the moves in a press release. Earlier, we learned that the team cut ways with 13 players, and we now have the other six players that have been released:

Released:

Placed on injured reserve:

It was previously reported that Tukuafu was released, but it appears that the former Oregon Duck will stick around on the team’s IR.

1:47pm: The 49ers are whittling their roster down to 53 players, and have cut the following players so far, according to various reports:

Rookie Notes: 49ers, Bills, Steelers

June 30th, 2014 at 4:17pm CST by Ben Levine

While it could just be pure coincidence, former Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland had a handful of successful seventh-round draft selections. As ESPN.com’s James Walker explores on Twitter, linebacker Austin Spitler, wide receiver Rishard Matthews and defensive backs Don Jones and Jimmy Wilson were all solid finds. 

For all the criticism that Ireland has received, as least he can claim that he has a keen eye for under-the-radar talent.

Here are some more notes regarding some of the league’s youngest players…

  • The 49ers have filled their open roster spot by adding guard Al Netter, tweets Bill Williamson of ESPN.com. The team waived Netter about a month ago to clear room for Blake Costanzo. The team had an extra roster spot following Eric Wright‘s retirement.
  • Bills rookie linebacker Randell Johnson has signed with agents Drew Rosenhaus and Michael Katz of Rosenhaus Sports, tweets Liz Mullen of the Sports Business Journal.
  • Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review focuses on the young Steelers who could be “training camp phenoms” (via Twitter): Justin Brown, Dri Archer, Mike Mitchell, Brian Arnfelt, Tauren Poole.

49ers Sign Blake Costanzo

June 3rd, 2014 at 2:09pm CST by Luke Adams

2:09pm: The 49ers have officially confirmed the signing of Costanzo, announcing in a press release that they’ve waived guard Al Netter to make room on the roster for the new addition.

9:49am: Free agent linebacker Blake Costanzo has agreed to terms with the 49ers, according to agent David Canter (via Twitter). Costanzo, who spent the last two seasons with the Bears, previously played in San Francisco during the 2011 season.

A seven-year veteran, Costanzo has primarily contributed on kick and punt coverage throughout his career. In 2013, he logged 11 special teams tackles for Chicago and recorded a +6.0 grade for the unit, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required). The 30-year-old played a similar role during his last run with the Niners, racking up 16 special teams tackles while not playing a single snap on defense.

While salary details haven’t yet been reported, I’d expect a minimum salary contract for the special teams ace. It’ll be a one-year contract, per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (via Twitter).