49ers Cut Rookie Star in Training Camp After Skipping Practice Following Week 3 Inactive
San Francisco, CA – September 25, 2025
Amid a wave of injuries plaguing key positions, with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk still in recovery, the San Francisco 49ers made a surprising roster move just days after their Week 3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, parting ways with a player once seen as a vital piece for adding depth to the receiving corps.
The decision came as a shock. After investing in a signing this offseason, many expected the 49ers to rely on this undrafted rookie as a contingency plan, especially with the team’s roster stretched thin. However, his status never translated into meaningful game time.
According to sources inside the building, frustration boiled over quickly. Left off the active roster against Dallas, the player reportedly responded by skipping the very next day of practice — a decision management refused to overlook.
That player was Derrick Canteen, an undrafted rookie from the University of Miami. Canteen had turned heads at rookie minicamp, showcasing explosive speed and precise route-running, racking up 12 receptions in practice games, including a 60-yard touchdown in an internal scrimmage. His standout performance earned him a three-year contract worth up to $2.8 million, including $500,000 in guaranteed money—a significant deal for an undrafted free agent. However, Canteen’s offseason was a rollercoaster, going from a training camp star to a depth chart hopeful before this final release. After being signed to the practice squad at the start-of-season cuts, this rookie was promoted to the active roster right after the win over the Seahawks — and now faces an unfortunate release.
Team officials framed the decision around accountability. Skipping practice, they stressed, crossed a line. For a franchise aiming to return to the Super Bowl, there was no room for distractions or unprofessional behavior.
Fans reacted with outrage, pointing to the value of the three-year deal with guaranteed money. Seeing Canteen cut without playing a single snap in red and gold only deepened their disappointment.
Veteran leaders in the locker room backed the move. One player told local reporters, “Competition’s tough, but you still show up. That’s the standard here.” The 49ers’ front office made it clear they agreed.
By waiving Canteen, the team opened a roster spot shortly after promote DL Robert Beal Jr. to the active roster from the team’s practice squad. For fans, the decision underscored San Francisco’s harsh reality: talent never outweighs commitment in the pursuit of a championship.
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