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San Francisco 49ers Inform Veteran DE He Is Being Cut, Agents Exploring Next-Team Options

The San Francisco 49ers have made a roster adjustment following their Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks (17-13). Despite high expectations in the offseason, the team decided change was necessary in a crowded and competitive defensive line room.
Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, at...



Through training camp and the preseason, San Francisco evaluated its depth at defensive end, weighing production, health, and long-term value. With Nick Bosa established as DE1 and rookie Mykel Williams showing flashes, patience with a veteran option began to wear thin.

That veteran is Yetur Gross-Matos, who signed a two-year, $18 million deal with the 49ers in 2024 but failed to impress. He totaled just one hurry and no sacks in 18 snaps during Week 1, with a PFF grade of 48.2, and managed only one tackle and one penalty across 20 snaps in the preseason.

“This is the reality of football,” general manager John Lynch said. “We respect every player who comes through here, but the competition in San Francisco is intense. This roster isn’t built in a day—it’s built for the long term. And if someone doesn’t meet the standard, we have to make changes.”

Gross-Matos’s struggles extended beyond one game. After posting only 4.0 sacks in 11 games with San Francisco in 2024, hampered by a knee injury, he entered 2025 with lingering questions about his consistency and fit in a deep defensive line rotation.

Meanwhile, the 49ers front office sent another strong message by promoting rookie Alfred Collins from the practice squad. The former Texas Longhorn, known for his pass-rush upside, is expected to slot in immediately as a rotational DE behind Bosa and Williams.

The move makes an already deep defensive line room even more competitive. San Francisco now features Bosa, Williams, Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and depth options like Kevin Givens and Khalil Davis. With Gross-Matos waived, the defensive front is stacked with youth, power, and versatility.

Financially, moving on from Gross-Matos made sense. His $9.6 million cap hit in 2025 carried just $1.8 million in dead money, saving the team nearly $2.9 million in cap space with a pre-June 1 cut, or up to $7.8 million if designated post-June 1. That flexibility opens options for other roster additions, including rumored interest in a veteran cornerback to bolster the secondary.

For the 49ers, the message is clear: every spot is earned, not given. With Collins in the mix, San Francisco hopes to solidify a dominant defensive line capable of powering another deep playoff run.

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”