49ers Updated Wide Receiver Depth Chart After Releasing Four WRs on Cut Day

The 53-man roster deadline has come and gone, which means NFL football will soon be back on TV screens across the country. The San Francisco 49ers were tasked with making some tough decisions on Tuesday, especially at the wide receiver position. Four pass-catchers ended up getting let loose.

Willie Snead, Marcus Johnson, Malik Turner and Tay Martin were all released. San Francisco hopes to bring at least one of them back as a practice squad member, but there's always a chance another NFL team picks them up. Nevertheless, a clear pecking order at the WR position has been created.

49ers Wide Receiver Depth Chart

1. Deebo Samuel

Of course, the 49ers wide receiving core is highlighted by Deebo Samuel. The All-Pro talent posted a career-high 1,770 yards from scrimmage last season to go along with 14 touchdowns. Samuel then signed a massive three-year contract extension that ties him to San Francisco through 2025.

2. Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk returns after a weird 2021 season. He started off slow, but came alive over the second half and finished with 826 receiving yards on 56 receptions. He's been getting glowing reviews throughout the summer, so it'll be interesting to see is he establishes quick chemistry with Lance.

3. Jauan Jennings

Fans caught glimpses of Jauan Jennings' potential during his rookie season. The 25-year-old used his size (6-foot-3, 212 pounds) to draw mismatches in the red zone and it led to five receiving touchdowns. He has an opportunity to take on a bigger role in head coach Kyle Shanahan's system.

4. Ray-Ray McCloud

The 49ers made a move to upgrade their special teams unit when they signed former Pittsburgh Steeler Ray-Ray McCloud in free agency. The Clemson product proved to be more than just an elite returner in the preseason, though. McCloud hauled in 5 receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown. Speed kills in the NFL, so keep an eye on McCloud throughout the season.

5. Danny Gray

Rookie Danny Gray took advantage of every chance he got in the preseason to perform and it allowed him to outlast the others for the final roster spot at WR. It all started when the 2022 third-round pick dazzled the crowd with a 76-yard touchdown from Lance in the first contest. Gray's crisp route-running skills should earn him some playing time this season.

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