49ers Move On From Tre Tomlinson: What the Waiver Means for San Francisco's Secondary
The San Francisco 49ers made a quiet but notable roster move on Thursday, April 30, 2026, waiving cornerback Tre Tomlinson. This decision, announced by the team and reported by multiple sources including Niners Nation's Kyle Posey, ends Tomlinson's brief tenure with the organization after just over a year on the roster.
Tomlinson, who was claimed off waivers by the 49ers in March 2025, is a former sixth-round pick (No. 182 overall) from the 2023 NFL Draft originally selected by the Los Angeles Rams. A standout at TCU, where he earned two All-Big 12 selections and All-America honors in 2022, Tomlinson entered the league with a reputation for exceptional coverage instincts and the ability to disrupt passes. Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 183 pounds, his size has always been a limiting factor on the outside, but his playmaking ability and competitive edge made him an intriguing nickel cornerback prospect.
Tomlinson's 49ers Journey: Limited Opportunities
During his rookie season with the Rams in 2023, Tomlinson appeared in 11 games--primarily on special teams and limited defensive snaps--accumulating six tackles and one pass defensed. When the Rams placed him on waivers ahead of the 2025 league year, the 49ers claimed him, seeking to add depth and developmental potential to their secondary.
Throughout the 2025 season with San Francisco, Tomlinson straddled the edge of the active roster and practice squad. He appeared in six games, chiefly contributing on special teams (43 snaps) and recording just 11 snaps on defense. He was unable to earn a more substantial role in a 49ers secondary that boasts stability and depth.
Why Waive Tomlinson Now?
The timing of his release points to several influencing factors. As the 49ers enter voluntary offseason workouts and approach mandatory minicamp, every roster spot becomes increasingly valuable. Tomlinson's waiver suggests confidence in the current cornerback group as well as a need to clear space for other potential additions--whether post-draft free agents or late bubble evaluators.
San Francisco's cornerback room for 2026 features reliable veterans like Charvarius Ward, who inked a three-year, $42 million extension in 2023 and has proven himself as a top boundary corner in the NFC. Deommodore Lenoir and Samuel Womack III provide dependable depth with Womack occupying the primary nickel role. Young players such as Darrell Luter Jr. continue to compete for expanded roles. Given this depth, Tomlinson's inability to establish himself defensively, combined with the team's flexible use of safeties in nickel packages, reduced his standing on the depth chart.
Moreover, the 49ers' defensive scheme heavily incorporates three-safety looks, often relying on safeties to handle slot coverage duties in place of a traditional nickel corner. This strategic approach makes a pure slot cornerback like Tomlinson somewhat redundant, especially when others on the roster meet the positional demands more effectively.
What's Next for Tre Tomlinson?
At 25 years old, Tomlinson remains a player with upside, particularly for teams running man-heavy cover schemes that seek instinctive, aggressive cornerbacks. His special teams experience adds to his appeal around the league. Now a free agent, he has time before training camp to catch on with another team looking to bolster depth in the defensive backfield or on special teams.
49ers Secondary Outlook Post-Tomlinson
With Tomlinson's departure, the 49ers' secondary remains well-stocked. Ward continues as the team's primary cornerback, while Lenoir and Womack ensure strong depth and versatility. The team's young pieces, including Darrell Luter Jr., are poised for growth, supplemented by undrafted free agents added after the 2026 draft who will vie for spots.
Safety depth remains a strength with Ji'Ayir Brown and Talanoa Hufanga anchoring the backend, lending flexibility to the defensive scheme. The 49ers' ability to mix safeties into coverage roles lessens the need to carry additional pure cornerbacks, balancing roster strategy effectively.
Conclusion
Waiving Tre Tomlinson may not capture headlines in the wider NFL landscape, but for the 49ers it reflects sound roster management. The decision signals trust in their current cornerback group and a commitment to evolving the roster with players who fit the scheme and perform in key roles.
For Tomlinson, his journey continues as the waiver wire opens new possibilities. His college pedigree and special teams skill set provide a foundation for renewed opportunities elsewhere.
As San Francisco's offseason progresses, the cornerback competition is intensifying. The 49ers' commitment to depth and versatility in their secondary suggests that Tomlinson's departure opens the door for other players to prove their worth in training camp and beyond.
With the roster sitting at 89 players post-waiver, one door closes, but another invariably opens in the relentless business of NFL roster building. The 49ers remain poised to maintain a strong defensive backfield heading into the 2026 season.
