Kerley, who appeared in three of the 49ers' four preseason games last month but did not have a reception, was released by San Francisco on September 2 as the team made moves to cut the roster down to 53 players.
Kerley was acquired by the 49ers via a trade in 2016 with the Detroit Lions just prior to the start of the team's final preseason game. The receiver would go on to lead the 49ers in receiving last season with 64 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns.
In March, Kerley signed a new three-year, $10.5 million contract to remain with the 49ers rather than become a free agent. Kerley was drafted out of TCU by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He signed with the Lions in March of 2016 before being traded to the 49ers.
The veteran became expendable due to the emergence of younger talent on the 49ers roster, including fifth-round draft pick Trent Taylor who also has the ability to play the slot receiver role.
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