The 49ers’ initial 53-man roster unfolds with several big-name cut-and-hold decisions, highlighting how depth across positions is shifting in the week ahead of Week 1. Drew Moss earns a spot, Sebastian Valdez is waived, and the defensive line suddenly looks crowded and versatile. Wide receiver depth remains unsettled as the team weighs waiver targets after Demarcus Robinson’s suspension clears a path for evaluation. The roster movement underscores how teams chase back-end value on the waiver wire while protecting core strengths like Purdy, McCaffrey, and Kittle for the Seahawks opener.

Key shifts loom at quarterback and wide receiver, as Purdy’s role remains secure but the Week 1 plan could hinge on how SF navigates WR options behind Iuk and Jennings. On defense, the line’s depth provides creative edge, with multiple interior options keeping the unit unpredictable for opponents. The roster strategy is clearly about balancing immediate play-ready talent with potential upside from the waiver pool, especially at WR and OL, as practice-squad gymnastics begin in earnest.