The San Francisco 49ers have made a strategic roster adjustment ahead of their preseason opener, re-signing quarterback Tanner Mordecai just days after he was waived. The move, announced on August 8, 2025, provides crucial depth at the quarterback position as the team prepares to face the Denver Broncos.
To make room on the 90-man roster, the 49ers placed wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown on the Injured Reserve list. St. Brown suffered a foot injury during a joint practice with the Broncos, and because he was placed on IR before the final roster cuts, his 2025 season has effectively come to an end. This development opens up significant opportunities for other wideouts on the roster, including rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jordan Watkins, to secure a spot and a larger role in the offense.
Mordecai’s return is a clear indication of the team’s strategy for the preseason. With head coach Kyle Shanahan likely to rest starting quarterback Brock Purdy for the first exhibition game, the 49ers needed another arm to manage the snaps. The move ensures that backup Mac Jones and the other quarterbacks are not over-extended. The current plan appears to involve Jones playing a portion of the game, with undrafted rookie Carter Bradley and Mordecai handling the remaining quarters. This allows the coaching staff to evaluate the depth chart while protecting their key players.
Mordecai, 25, has had a whirlwind journey since entering the league. After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, he initially signed with the 49ers as a free agent. He was later waived and then re-signed to the practice squad, where he spent his entire rookie season. He signed a reserve/future contract in January 2025 before being waived again on August 4, only to be brought back four days later.
His collegiate career was extensive and productive, spanning three different universities. He began at Oklahoma (2018-2020), where he served as a backup to future NFL quarterbacks Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, and Spencer Rattler. Seeking a starting role, he transferred to Southern Methodist University (SMU) for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. At SMU, Mordecai flourished, setting multiple school records. In 2021, he threw for 3,628 yards and a school-record 39 touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-AAC honors. The following year, he threw for 3,524 yards and 33 touchdowns. A highlight of his SMU tenure was a record-setting performance against Houston where he threw for nine touchdowns.
For his final year of eligibility in 2023, Mordecai transferred to Wisconsin. In 10 starts for the Badgers, he passed for 2,066 yards and nine touchdowns, while also rushing for 302 yards and four scores. Over his entire college career across 46 games, he amassed 9,857 passing yards and 85 touchdowns.
Now back with the 49ers, Mordecai finds himself in a competition with Carter Bradley for a potential third-string or practice squad role. The upcoming preseason games will serve as a critical audition for both quarterbacks as they look to impress the coaching staff and secure their future with the team. While the loss of St. Brown is unfortunate, the 49ers have moved quickly to address their immediate needs and create a competitive environment as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season.
