The San Francisco 49ers have announced the release of linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent in March. The move gives him an early opportunity to explore his NFL options.
Additionally, the team has tendered one-year contracts to the following exclusive-rights free agents:
- DL Evan Anderson
- DL Alex Barrett
- LB Jalen Graham
- DL Sam Okuayinonu
- OL Austen Pleasants
- TE Jake Tonges
- TE Brayden Willis
The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown.
Flannigan-Fowles (6-2, 223) originally signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Throughout his five-year career (2020-24) with San Francisco, Flannigan-Fowles appeared in 73 games (seven starts) and registered 59 tackles, 1.0 sacks, three passes defensed, one interception and 37 special teams tackles. He also appeared in nine postseason contests and tallied five tackles, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and seven special teams tackles. In 2024, Flannigan-Fowles appeared in 12 games (three starts) and registered 11 tackles, two passes defensed, one interception and added six special teams tackles.
Anderson (6-3, 326) appeared in 12 games (one start) and registered 24 tackles, 1.0 sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as a rookie in 2024 after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent.
Barrett (6-2, 250) originally entered the NFL after signing with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2017. He was then signed to a one-year deal with the Oakland Raiders on April 5, 2019, and later released by the Raiders on September 3, 2019, before signing to the 49ers practice squad on November 27, 2019. Throughout his three-year career with the Lions (2017) and 49ers (2020, 2024), Barrett has appeared in 12 games and registered seven tackles. In 2024, Barrett spent the majority of the season on the team's practice squad and also appeared in three games and registered one tackle and the first special teams tackle of his career.
Graham (6-3, 220) was originally drafted by the 49ers in the seventh round (255th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was released by the team on August 27, 2024, and signed to the Washington Commanders practice squad two days later. He was then signed to the 49ers active roster on October 1, 2024, before being released by the team on November 5 and re-signing to the practice squad on November 7. Throughout his two-year career with the 49ers (2023-24), he has appeared in 12 games and registered six tackles. In 2024, Graham appeared in eight games and registered six tackles and added two special teams tackles.
Okuayinonu (6-1, 269) originally entered the NFL after signing with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022. He was then signed to the 49ers practice squad on January 10, 2024, before signing a Reserve/Future contract with the team on February 13, 2024. He was later released by the team on August 29, 2024, before signing with the team's practice squad on September 2, 2024. Throughout his two-year career with the Titans (2022) and 49ers (2024), Okuayinonu has appeared in 22 games (three starts) and registered 46 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble. In 2024, Okuayinonu appeared in 16 games (three starts) and registered 35 tackles, 3.0 sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble, which all were career highs.
Pleasants (6-7, 328) originally entered the NFL after signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2020. Throughout his five-year NFL career, he has spent time on the practice squads with the Jaguars (2020), Carolina Panthers (2021-22), Los Angeles Chargers (2022-24), Chicago Bears (2023-24) and Arizona Cardinals (2023-24) and has appeared in five games with the Panthers, Chargers and 49ers. In 2024, Pleasants spent time on the Chargers, Cardinals, Bears and 49ers practice squads and appeared in three games with the 49ers.
Tonges (6-4, 240) originally entered the NFL after signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2022. He was released by the Bears on November 10, 2022, and signed to the team's practice squad two days later before signing a Reserve/Future contract with the team on January 9 and being released on August 17. He was then signed to the 49ers practice squad on September 27, 2023, before signing a Reserve/Future contract with the team on February 13, 2024. Throughout his two-year career with the Bears (2023) and 49ers (2024), Tonges has appeared in 20 games and registered two special teams tackles. In 2024, Tonges appeared in 16 games and registered two special teams tackles with the 49ers.
Willis (6-4, 240) was originally drafted by the 49ers in the seventh round (247th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was released by the team on August 27, 2024, before being signed to the team's practice squad a day later. Throughout his two-year career with the 49ers (2023-24), he has appeared in 17 games and registered one tackle and three special teams tackles. He has also appeared in three postseason contests with the team. In 2024, Willis appeared in 10 games and registered three special teams tackles.