3 players SF 49ers may regret cutting in 2020

SF 49ers Cut No. 2: Safety Johnathan Cyprien

Kyle Shanahan had a choice for his backup strong safety behind Jaquiski Tartt. Should Shanahan go with the returning pro, Marcell Harris, who filled in for four starts last year but struggled in pass coverage? Or should Shanahan go with the recently signed and now-released veteran, Johnathan Cyprien?

In the end, Shanahan chose Harris over the former second-round draft pick. And it was the right move, going with the younger commodity who is still developing.

But here is how things could get tricky and wind up coming back to haunt San Francisco.

Cyprien already told reporters he wouldn’t consider placement on the SF 49ers practice squad, so Shanahan can already rule out having him as that reserve. Had the Niners gone with Cyprien over Harris, it seems more plausible the latter would have signed to the practice squad instead, giving thee Niners an extra body for a still-questionable secondary.

And it isn’t as if San Francisco is without concerns about Tartt’s health.

Over the last three years, Tartt has missed a total of 19 regular-season games. Despite him being a vital part of the 49ers defense, availability has to be a notable question mark and X-factor.

Harris improved in training camp, yes. His placement on the 53-man roster is an endorsement, too.

Still, it’s safe to think keeping Cyprien around would have allowed the Niners to retain even more depth at the position by putting Harris on the practice squad instead.

Update: Cyprien elected to sign with the practice squad anyway, somewhat negating this concern now.