5 Players the San Francisco 49ers May Cut in 2016
By Peter Panacy
Defensive End Tank Carradine
Coming out of college, defensive end Tank Carradine was one of the most heralded pass-rushers in the 2013 NFL draft and, despite a collegiate injury, was considered a steal for the 49ers when they selected him in the second round and No. 40 overall that year.
Carradine was supposed to fill the void eventually left by veteran defensive end Justin Smith. But he struggled getting onto the field in 2014 after being redshirted his rookie season. Despite flashing some late-season promise that year, Carradine appeared in a mere nine games.
2015 showcased more evidence against Carradine’s future in San Francisco. With Smith retired, defensive tackles Glenn Dorsey and Quinton Dial assumed the starting end roles. And when Dorsey was lost for the season, rookie DE Arik Armstead assumed the lion’s share of snaps.
This left Carradine in a unique and unfavorable position.
San Francisco would save just over $1 million in cap space should they part ways with him prior to June 1.
But Carradine’s lest vestiges of hope may come should the 49ers elect to use him strictly as a pass-rushing specialist — a position in which he thrived at Auburn.
Still, San Francisco’s patience may have already worn out. If the 49ers bolster their pass rush this offseason, as they’re expected to do, there may not be enough room for Carradine to remain on the roster.
Next: Quinton Patton