The waiver process is a wrap, and the NFL issued the formal transaction report. It lists out the players claimed, and the “terminations via waiver system,” which means players who were not claimed.
The 49ers saw Garrison Smith, Corey Lemonier, Jeff Driskel, and Bryce Treggs all claimed off waivers. The rest of their roster cuts were not claimed. Most notably, that means Marcus Rush is now a free agent after a strong preseason campaign.
The other 31 teams all had the opportunity to claim Rush, but they chose not to. This does not mean he won’t become a successful pass rusher in the NFL, but teams still view him as too much of a developmental talent. The 49ers cut him because they only planned on keeping eight linebackers, and they did not see him ahead of Eli Harold or Tank Carradine. He had the strong preseason, but they likely view him as a one-trick pony who needs to add more to his repertoire.
Pro Football Focus graded Rush as the No. 1 pass rusher in the preseason, but near the bottom in defending the run. He is eligible to return to the 49ers practice squad for a second season. If he returns, there is still a chance he gets a shot at the 49ers roster if there are any injuries. Last year, we saw Andrew Tiller work his way onto the roster after opening the season on the practice squad. We’ll see if Rush can follow in Tiller’s lead.