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San Francisco 49ers: ‘Keep or Cut’ Calls on 10 Notable Players for 2017

By Peter Panacy

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on from the sidelines before the game against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on from the sidelines before the game against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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49ers Ellington Receivers
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) reacts during the game against the Houston Texans in first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Houston defeated San Francisco 24-13. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 9: Wide Receiver Bruce Ellington

Like Tank Carradine, wide receiver Bruce Ellington has one more year remaining on his current contract. And it’s not a big number either, meaning the 49ers won’t have to pay much to keep him around, nor will a cut cost them much in dead money.

Unlike Carradine though, it’s hard to see the Niners giving Ellington yet another shot to prove himself on the roster.

Ellington has underwhelmed at the pro level ever since being selected in Round 4 of the 2014 NFL Draft. His best season, 2015, saw a mere 13 receptions for 153 yards. And while he does have some value in the return game, San Francisco already go oh-so much more out of slot receiver/return man Jeremy Kerley in 2016.

Kerley, a free agent this offseason, would be a much wiser move for a receiver-needy Niners offense.

There are the injury concerns as well. Ellington missed all of last year due to a hamstring injury, and his 2014 and 2015 campaigns were also cut short.

It’s time to move on.

Verdict: Cut