Former Wisconsin football wide receiver signs one-year contract with 49ers
To accommodate Cephus on the roster, San Francisco's front office waived running back Israel Abanikanda, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move marks Cephus' first NFL opportunity since he suited up for the Houston Texans before the 2024 regular season.
Cephus now joins a wide receiver room headlined by Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson and Equanimeous St. Brown. The departure of former star wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders appears to have shifted general manager John Lynch's attitude at the position, prompting the 49ers to take a low-risk flyer on Cephus.
Similar to his move with San Francisco, Cephus signed with Houston in July 2024 before the preseason. There, he flashed his offensive ability with six catches for 40 yards in three contests. Despite his strong performance, the Texans opted to release the former Badger before finalizing their 53-man roster.
Before the stop in Houston, Cephus laced up with the Buffalo Bills in early 2024 and the Detroit Lions from 2020-23. He totaled 35 catches for 553 yards and four touchdowns during his first two professional campaigns before missing 2022 with an injury and 2023 due to a gambling suspension.
Nonetheless, Cephus has displayed his ability to contribute as a pass catcher. During his tenure in Madison, the wideout reeled in 93 catches for 1,496 yards and 13 touchdowns in 37 appearances. In 2019, he accounted for a career-best 59 receptions for 901 yards and seven touchdowns.
During the 2020 season with Detroit, Cephus lined up behind Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola as the team's No. 3 wide receiver. The one-year deal with San Francisco indicates that Cephus could contribute as a depth wide receiver. The 49ers are seeking a return to playoff contention, something the former Badger has yet to do as a professional.
San Francisco begins its preseason on Aug. 9 against the Denver Broncos.
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