San Francisco 49ers' surprising roster move a seal of approval for at least one of their 2023 draft picks

When Logan Thomas was signed by the San Francisco 49ers , it was expected he would be the backup tight end to George Kittle.

The veteran was signed by the 49ers during mandatory minicamp and was viewed as a player who could give them the pass-catching presence behind Kittle that they have long since lacked.

But on Friday the 49ers ended Thomas' brief time with the team, releasing him in a roster move to help accommodate the signings of defensive end Jonathan Garvin and punter Pressley Harvin III. The 49ers also placed defensive end Austin Bryant on injured reserve.

Thomas had dealt with a hamstring injury during training camp that will have contributed to the 49ers' decision to release him.

Another free agent signing, Eric Saubert, has a firm grip on the second tight end role having impressed in camp, but the decision to part with Thomas is a seal of approval for at least one of the two tight ends the 49ers drafted in 2023.

Third-rounder Cameron Latu missed his rookie season because of a knee injury while seventh-rounder Brayden Willis made a minimal impact.

Latu, much like in 2023, has endured an up and down training camp, flashing some positives but continuing to deal with drops, and Thomas' release is more likely a sign to Willis that the 49ers are satisfied with his performances, which have attracted praise from several observers.

Harvin will punt for the 49ers in their opening preseason game at the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. The 49ers' starting punter, Mitch Wishnowsky, has been dealing with a knee injury.

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