49ers Predicted To Cut Veteran Starter In Favor Of Younger Talent

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Tre Brown looks on during a Seahawks game against the Rams on November 03, 2024.

On Thursday August 14, 2025, Bleacher Report NFL Analyst Gary Davenport released an article titled “1 Player Each NFL Team Should Cut Before the 2025 Season” in which he predicted the San Francisco 49ers will cut CB Tre Brown before Week 1.

“In San Francisco’s first preseason game (with most of the starters spending the game as spectators), Brown played well into the second half,” Davenport wrote. “Defensive backs with starting experience are valuable assets in the NFL. But from all indications, Brown is going to have to prove his value elsewhere.”

Brown, 27, was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He spent 4 seasons in Seattle, started 13 games, and recorded 74 total tackles, 2 interceptions including a pick 6, and a sack.

Brown signed a 1-year, $1.7 million contract with San Francisco back in March 2025.

It’s Less About Brown, More About His Competition

When the 49ers signed Tre Brown, many people assumed he was the clear candidate to be the 49ers’ third cornerback and start at nickel corner.

In the 49ers’ first unofficial depth chart of the season, they even listed Brown as the starter at NB, seemingly indicating his job isn’t in danger.

The 49ers unveil their first unofficial depth chart. They generally place the rookies down a notch or two, but not with Mykel Williams. Note that Kevin Givens has a pectoral injury that is expected to keep him out until some point into the regular season. pic.twitter.com/JyRPohzP0j

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 6, 2025

On the nickelback depth chart behind Brown, the 49ers have rookie third round rookie CB Upton Stout and career special teamer Chase Lucas, who has never started an NFL game. So on paper, Brown is the clear starter.

But Stout and Lucas have been two of the biggest standouts throughout the 49ers offseason. And they’ve made even louder noise following the depth chart release.

“Rookie Upton Stout has been outstanding in camp, so much so that he’s now the favorite to start opposite Deommodore Lenoir,” Davenport wrote.

Lucas on the other hand was all over the field in the 49ers’ first preseason game against the Denver Broncos, and was arguably the team’s biggest defensive standout in the game. He tied for the team lead with 8 total tackles and recorded a pass breakup as well.

Tre Brown just hasn’t made that same impression, and that’s the nature of NFL training camp. If you don’t impress, there’s always young, hungry players waiting to take your job.

49ers fans should keep a close eye on Brown, Stout and Lucas in the 49ers’ remaining preseason games. They will likely be huge in determining who stays and who goes on the chopping block.

Other Young Players Making Noise in the Secondary

Many of the storylines from the 49ers training camp and preseason have revolved around their defensive rookies. They have been the biggest standouts in camp, and a lot of them have made a serious case to start for the 49ers in 2025.

Stout is the most prominent example. But recently, Marques Sigle, the 49ers’ 2025 fifth round draft pick, has been making a serious case to start at free safety over 4-year veteran Jason Pinnock.

With second year player Renardo Green set to start at the left cornerback spot and third year star Ji’Ayir Brown locking down the strong safety position, the 49ers could have a very young secondary in 2025. Stout, Sigle, Green, Ji’Ayir Brown and Deommodore Lenoir are all 25 years old or younger.

Hopefully they can use that youthful energy to lock down opponents’ passing game.

Ethan Inman is a sports journalist covering the San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants and Las Vegas Raiders for heavy.com. He also co-hosts a college football podcast for The Voice of College Football, and writes about the NBA and MLB. He has previously covered the USC Trojans, the NHL, college baseball, and the intersection of sports and popular culture for other publications. He is based in the greater Los Angeles area. More about Ethan Inman