49ers releasing veteran RB as cuts begin

The San Francisco 49ers are releasing veteran running back Matt Breida according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

It isn’t a huge surprise Breida was let go. While he had some success with the 49ers during his first few years in the NFL, the club is now loaded at his position.

Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, Elijah Mitchell and Isaac Guerendo are all in line to make the roster. Undrafted rookie Cody Schrader could also be in the mix for a roster spot.

The 49ers added Breida late in camp after injuries left them short on running backs for the preseason. He had a couple moments during the exhibition contests, but not enough to overcome the slew of players above him on the depth chart.

The 49ers originally signed Breida as an undrafted rookie in 2017. He spent three seasons in San Francisco before joining the Dolphins and Bills for one season each. He then signed with the New York Giants where he played the last two years.

Breida has 2,652 career rushing yards on 575 carries with nine touchdowns.

He will not be subject to waivers, so he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The 49ers could bring him back to the practice squad if they want some internal veteran depth at the position.