49ers Sign New Players, Release Long Snapper Taybor Pepper

San Francisco, CA — The San Francisco 49ers made significant roster changes today, announcing the signings of tight end Luke Farrell, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, cornerback Tre Brown, linebacker Luke Gifford, safeties Richie Grant and Jason Pinnock, and long snapper Jon Weeks.

Farrell, 27, has signed a three-year deal, while Robinson, 30, joins on a two-year contract. The rest, including Brown, Gifford, Grant, and Pinnock, have each inked one-year agreements. As part of this roster overhaul, the team also confirmed the release of long snapper Taybor Pepper, who had been with the franchise since 2020.

Farrell, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, was initially drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars and has accumulated 66 regular-season appearances over four years, with 36 receptions for 318 yards. In 2024, he played in 17 games, recording 12 receptions for 67 yards.

Robinson, at 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, has had a nine-year career, primarily with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has played in 147 games, registering 250 receptions for 3,013 yards and 27 touchdowns. Last season, Robinson achieved career-highs with 505 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Brown, measuring 5-foot-10 and weighing 185 pounds, was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 and has since made 39 appearances with 70 tackles and two interceptions. Gifford, at 6-foot-3 and 243 pounds, has recorded a career-high of 35 tackles in 2024 after previously playing for the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans.

Grant, who stands at 6-foot and weighs 200 pounds, has shown versatility during his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, with a total of 264 tackles to his name. Meanwhile, Pinnock, also 6-foot and 200 pounds, brings experience from his time with the New York Jets and Giants.

Jon Weeks, 39, is a seasoned long snapper, having played 15 seasons and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2015. Reports indicate that Weeks may replace Pepper, who was informed of his release, reportedly as part of the team’s strategic transition under new special teams coordinator Brant Boyer. Pepper was entering the final year of a three-year extension with a base salary of $1.26 million.

In response to his release, Pepper shared his sentiments on social media, expressing gratitude towards the organization and teammates. “Thank you Faithful! Wanted to end my career with the 49ers, but I’ve still got some years left in the tank,” he tweeted.

This roster reshaping is part of the 49ers’ plan to cut costs while refreshing their lineup and enhancing performance following last season’s disappointing outcomes. The restructured team aims for improved results in the upcoming season as they enter a new phase under Boyer’s guidance.