The 49ers just signed undrafted free-agent linebacker Stone Blanton, who might make the case for hanging around into the regular season.
On Monday, the San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of former Mississippi State linebacker Stone Blanton to a three-year deal.
Grabbing an undrafted free agent over two weeks after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft isn't going to move the needle much for the Niners, who preceded the Blanton signing with a flurry of other moves that included grabbing a couple of veteran offensive linemen.
To ensure the roster gets to 90 players prior to offseason workouts and training camp, grabbing a less-heralded prospect to round out the linebacker depth chart makes some sense.
But Blanton might have an inside track to landing a spot on the 53-man roster, at least as good of one for an undrafted player.
Stone Blanton has an argument for 49ers' 53-man roster
San Francisco's high-profile response to losing linebacker Dre Greenlaw in free agency was to select Kansas State's Nick Martin on day two of the draft, which carries a few ramifications that could ultimately impact Blanton.
For starters, Martin's presence signals an apparent lack of faith the 49ers have in third-year pro Dee Winters, who likely gets pushed down toward the depth chart's periphery.
Blanton, Winters, Tatum Bethune, Curtis Robinson, Tarron Jackson, Jalen Graham and others are all vying for placement behind the All-Pro, Fred Warner, but there's a twist to Blanton's three-year deal that might give him an edge.
According to Spotrac, the Niners are giving him $92,000 in guaranteed money, which is a fairly hefty sum for an undrafted player at a non-skill position (like wide receiver, quarterback or running back).
This indicates San Francisco doesn't see Blanton merely as a camp and preseason invitee who'll see a red tag in his locker once roster cuts are announced. Provided he accounts well for himself during offseason workouts and into the preseason, there's a reasonable chance the 49ers would prefer having him around on the 53-man roster.
Remote? Sure. But the opportunity is better than one might think.