49ers cut pair of 2023 draft picks in surprising move, says insider

The San Francisco 49ers have cut short their investment in a pair of 2023 draft picks.

Matt Barrows, who covers the 49ers for The Athletic, has reported that the team has waived tight ends Brayden Willis and Cameron Latu.

Latu was drafted in the third round, 101st overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. He missed the entire season after suffering a torn meniscus during week three of the preseason. During three preseason games in 2024, Latu posted 8 catches for 84 yards.

A member of the 2020 national champions, he left the University of Alabama following his redshirt senior campaign. In two seasons with the Crimson Tide, he totaled 56 receptions for 787 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Willis, selected in the seventh round out of Oklahoma, was Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2022 after catching 39 passes for 514 yards and seven TDs. He finished the preseason with five receptions for 44 yards.

Both are candidates to make the 49ers’ practice squad if they clear waivers.

The 49ers have their backup to All-Pro George Kittle after they re-signed veteran tight end Logan Thomas before the team’s preseason finale last week. Thomas posted 55 catches for 496 yards and four touchdowns last season with the Washington Commanders.

Eric Saubert will likely slide in as the third tight end. Saubert is a journeyman playing for his seventh team in eight seasons.

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