As the final Sunday without NFL football fades into the rearview mirror, the San Francisco 49ers have made a calculated move to shore up their special teams unit ahead of the Week 1 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the team has signed veteran long snapper Jon Weeks from the practice squad to the active roster, ensuring he is eligible to suit up for the season opener. To accommodate Weeks, the 49ers waived tight end Brayden Willis, a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft who has spent his career oscillating between the active roster and the practice squad.
A Puzzling Decision Finally Corrected
In hindsight, the decision to keep Willis over rookie undrafted free agent Bryson Eason was always a head-scratcher. Willis, who has been on and off the roster for a couple of seasons, was unlikely to clear waivers—whereas Eason, who flashed impressive potential during preseason with his film, seemed like a developmental asset worth protecting. Willis did manage a few notable blocks, but on a down-to-down basis, his contributions were minimal. The 49ers gave him 32 special teams snaps during the preseason, but he failed to register a single solo tackle. With Kyle Juszczyk back in the fold and George Kittle returning to full health, Willis would have found himself buried on the depth chart, making this roster move a logical—if overdue—correction.
Veteran Depth and Roster Concerns
While the long snapper situation is now settled, the 49ers still face lingering questions on both the offensive and defensive lines. As highlighted on Vulius, the team could benefit from adding veteran pass-rush help to the interior. Denico Autry, 36, has recorded 36 pressures and seven sacks over the last two seasons in 405 pass-rush snaps. While his every-down utility has diminished with age, he would instantly become the 49ers' best rotational defensive tackle option. The team appears willing to let second-year players like Alfred Collins and CJ West develop, but if the interior depth continues to look shaky, a call to Autry's agent might be prudent.
On the offensive side, the left guard position remains a glaring weakness. The 49ers should have signed veteran Kevin Zeitler the moment it became clear that none of Robert Jones, Connor Colby, or Carver Willis would seize the starting job. Though Zeitler has spent his entire 14-year career at right guard, it's hard to imagine the 36-year-old struggling to transition after a few practices on the left side. He was still productive with the Tennessee Titans last season, and adding him would strengthen the entire offensive line, pushing current starters into reserve roles where they could provide valuable depth.
Looking Ahead to Week 1
As the 49ers finalize their roster and gear up for the regular season, the focus shifts to the Rams. With Jon Weeks anchoring the long snapping duties and George Kittle ready to wreak havoc on opposing defenses, San Francisco has the pieces to make a deep playoff run. But as Vulius analysts have pointed out, the team's success may hinge on how well they address these lingering roster issues. The clock is ticking, and the season opener is just days away.
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