The San Francisco 49ers surprised us this weekend when they decided to waive undrafted free agent wide receiver K.D. Cannon. It was not a long wait for Cannon to find a new team. The New York Jets have claimed him off waivers, according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.
The 49ers gave Cannon a $5,000 signing bonus and a $40,000 salary guarantee in signing him after the 2017 NFL draft. Cannon’s contract included offset language, per Matt Maiocco, so the Jets will pick up his $40,000 salary guarantee. The 49ers will carry a $5,000 dead money hit on their salary cap.
Many viewed Cannon as one of the better UDFAs on the market, and a solid candidate to make the 49ers 53-man roster. Instead, he was released after only a weekend of practice with the team. Cam Inman and Chris Biderman both indicated a lack of hustle might have been the reason for the release.
We’ll see if John Lynch or Kyle Shanahan ever have anything to say about this move, but if these reports are true, it is not surprising the new front office would be quick to part ways with the UDFA. They are looking to implement a new culture and attitude, and if they did think Cannon was not trying hard enough, then a release would be expected. Whether it happens with someone a little further up the food chain will be something to watch as training camp approaches.