A year ago at this time, Eric Rogers’ stock was on the rise.
The former Canadian Football League wide receiver had signed with the 49ers as a free agent and was a pet project of new San Francisco head coach Chip Kelly. Rogers, in fact, was Kelly’s first move after being hired by the Niners. Then-general manager Trent Baalke also was sold on Rogers’ potential.
“He loves the game,” Baalke said at the time. “That really stood out to us. I think he really enjoys playing it. He’s competitive, passionate, he works hard at it, and he’s a fun guy to be around.”
And, it wasn’t just the 49ers who were interested in Rogers. After his big 2015 season for the Calgary Stampeders – 87 catches for 1,448 yards and 10 touchdowns – 16 NFL teams expressed interest in Rogers. He received 13 offers.
But a year later, Rogers’ stint in the NFL is over – for now.
Rogers, 26, was one of 13 players released by the 49ers Tuesday as the team clears its roster to make way for players recently added in veteran free agency, the NFL draft and undrafted free agents.
Rogers never had a chance to show what he could do in Kelly’s offense, tearing a knee ligament in training camp.
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Also released by the 49ers were center Alex Balducci, safety Marcus Bell, linebackers Carl Bradford, Wynton McManis, Shayne Skov and Jayson DiManche, tight end Je’Ron Hamm, wideout Chris Harper, punter Brock Miller, defensive linemen Zach Moore and Mike Purcell and cornerback JaCorey Shepherd.
After the moves by the 49ers were announced Tuesday, Rogers had just one response. Tweeted Rogers: “Can’t wait to get healthy.”
