San Francisco 49ers release former Wisconsin quarterback

The San Francisco 49ers released former Wisconsin quarterback Tanner Mordecai on Tuesday. The move comes as the 49ers trimmed their roster to the requisite total of 53 players by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline.

Mordecai signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 NFL draft. He performed well in limited action this preseason, completing six of 10 passes for 103 yards.

His strong debut and intriguing athletic profile were not enough to crack the 49ers top quarterback trio of starter Brock Purdy, backup Josh Dobbs and third-string Brandon Allen.

The former Badger, Oklahoma Sooner and SMU Mustang is an attractive option for the practice squad, however. He would be a good emergency quarterback with the long-term upside to make the active roster after gaining more NFL experience.

Mordecai played just one year for the Badgers (2023). He performed well during his time on the field, though missed a large chunk of the season after suffering a broken hand in the team’s loss to Iowa. His final stats included 65% completion, 2,066 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions.

The six-year collegiate veteran was one of the several members of the offense negatively impacted by the growing pains experienced in year one of Phil Longo’s air raid system at Wisconsin. His 378-yard, three-touchdown performance in Wisconsin’s ReliaQuest Bowl loss to LSU was more of what was expected entering the season.

Mordecai appears to have made a strong impression on the 49ers staff after signing this offseason. He’ll be a popular candidate to make the active roster entering 2025 and beyond.

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