San Francisco 49ers Release Two Rookies for Unprofessional Conduct and Not Fitting Team Culture

The 49ers ended the 2025 season with a 9–8 record, narrowly missing out on the playoffs, and this marks the second straight year without postseason play. Despite a strong offensive showing, including standout performances from players like George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, the team’s inability to perform consistently on both sides of the ball cost them a playoff berth.

According to sources close to the team, the two rookies who were released failed to meet the 49ers’ expectations and standards. Their actions, including missing important meetings, lack of effort in practice, and poor attitudes on and off the field, disrupted team chemistry. As a result, the decision was made to part ways with them, signaling that such behavior wouldn’t be tolerated in the organization.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke strongly about the importance of maintaining professionalism within the team:

“I don’t care how fast you run or how wide you catch — if you don’t respect the process and the culture of this team, you won’t be here. We’re building a team that is committed to winning, not just showing up. We’ve set a new standard, and I’m holding everyone accountable.”

Shanahan’s statement highlights his focus on fostering a disciplined, professional atmosphere in the 49ers' locker room, as the team prepares for the 2026 season.

Along with the roster moves, Shanahan has been working hard to instill a new culture within the team. His focus is on creating a high standard of accountability and professionalism, which he believes is key to achieving long-term success. This includes addressing the team’s overall attitude and commitment, as well as reshaping the defense, which had been inconsistent in 2025.

The 49ers are moving forward with the belief that only those who embrace the team’s values and expectations will have a place on the roster.

Veteran players like George Kittle and Fred Warner have expressed their support for Shanahan’s decisions. Kittle, who is known for his leadership and commitment to the team, has been vocal about the importance of maintaining a strong team culture. Both Kittle and Warner, who are considered the backbone of the 49ers’ defense and offense, have stressed the need for every player to buy into the team’s vision for the future.

Although the 49ers have a solid roster, they know that true success requires more than just talent. The organization is focused on fostering a winning mentality from top to bottom, ensuring that the players understand the importance of teamwork, discipline, and accountability. These decisions are only the beginning of a larger plan to get the team back to the top of the NFC.

As the 49ers prepare for the 2026 season, they are placing a heavy emphasis on improving their defense and maintaining their explosive offense. While they have some of the league’s top players, including Kittle, Samuel, and Warner, Shanahan understands that team culture is just as important as individual talent. The upcoming season will be about refining the team’s identity and putting the right pieces in place to make a deep playoff run.

The focus for the 49ers moving forward is to create a balanced team that can succeed on both sides of the ball. The franchise is committed to building a culture of discipline and accountability, one that will set the stage for sustained success. The 49ers believe that with the right foundation in place, they can once again contend for championships in the years to come.

The 49ers’ recent decisions show their commitment to creating a winning culture. With key changes in the locker room and a new focus on professionalism, the team is positioning itself for success in 2026. The franchise is determined to build a team that not only excels on the field but also upholds the values that make the 49ers one of the most respected teams in the NFL. The road ahead may be challenging, but with Shanahan at the helm, the 49ers are ready for a fresh start and a return to greatness.