Russell

Gage

Gage was released at last cuts, brought back on a one-year deal on August 28th, and now is being released again to be brought back on the practice squad and get promoted to the active roster for Week 1, saving the 49ers a few dollars. It’s clever (derogatory) accounting of a roster spot, and if you include signing Gage to a future contract in the first place, all it took was five different transactions.

The 49ers bolster their wide receiver depth with availability concerns swirling around Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jauan Jennings (calf, contract) and Demarcus Robinson (suspension). Gage should not be expected to return flex value in Week 1. The 49ers also released S Richie Grant, while QB Adrian Martinez, RB Sincere McCormick and WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling were signed to the practice squad.

Chosen caught 9-of-12 targets for 117 yards this preseason, but he did not crack the roster in a banged-up 49ers wide receiver room. He appeared in just two games for the Dolphins last year and could catch on as practice squad depth. The 49ers also released OL Michael Dunn, WR Russell Gage Jr., DL Jonathan Garvin, DL Trevis Gipson, DL Bruce Hector, WR Isaiah Hodgins, CB Fabian Moreau, P Thomas Morstead, LB Curtis Robinson, LB Chazz Surratt, and WR Malik Turner. They waived WR Junior Bergen, LB Stone Blanton, DL William Bradley-King, DB Derrick Canteen, CB Dallis Flowers, LB Jalen Graham, S Jaylen Mahoney, OL Drake Nugent, WR Terique Owens, DL Sebastian Valdez, TE Brayden Willis and OL Nick Zakelj.

Gage was signed by the Ravens back on August 6 but won’t be a part of the team’s 53-man roster. The veteran slot receiver was hoping to catch on in a similar role this season after missing much of last season with a knee injury and may still get a chance with another team at some point. At his most productive, Gage totaled 72 catches for 786 yards and four touchdowns while with the Falcons back in 2020. He also topped 700 yards in 2021.

Gage, who missed all of 2023 with a torn patellar tendon, will get his next shot with the Ravens. In 2022 with the Bucs, he went 51-426-5. Gage figures to compete for a roster spot and provide depth for a solid passing catching group.

Per Auman, the final year of Gage’s contract was converted to a team option when the Bucs reworked his deal last offseason. Not picking up the option saves the team $10 million in cap space but saddles them with a $6.9 million dead cap hit. Gage missed all of the 2023 season with a knee injury sustained in training camp. Before that, he totaled 51 catches for 426 yards and five scores in 2022. Gage could find a home as a depth option in free agency, but his days as a relevant fantasy player are long gone.

Gage went down with a non-contact injury during Wednesday’s scrimmage against the Jets. The 27-year-old slot man will miss the entire 2023 season after taking a pay cut this offseason to remain with the Bucs. Trey Palmer or Deven Thompkins are candidates to emerge as Tampa’s No. 3 receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Gage suffered what appeared to be a serious leg injury. Trainers tended to the veteran wideout as he writhed in pain before the cart came out. If he misses significant time, Trey Palmer or Deven Thompkins could make their way into three-receiver sets alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Gage, 27, who took a pay cut to remain with the Bucs this season, had 51 receptions for 426 yards and five touchdowns last year for Tampa.

FOX Sports’ Greg Auman notes that Gage has been sidelined for the entirety of the spring to date and that he is watching practice, so he is present. Gage probably isn’t a big fantasy target this year now that the Buccaneers have embraced Baker Mayfield Austerity in the passing game, but his status is worth monitoring in deeper leagues. It’s worth mentioning that Gage suffered a scary-seeming neck injury during the Wild Card round.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Buccaneers reportedly moved Gage’s $10 million base salary to $7 million, giving him the chance to earn back that money in incentives. Gage had an up-and-down season in his first year with the Bucs, hauling in 51 passes for 426 yards and five touchdowns. A scary injury to his head/neck area in the NFC Wild Card Game ended his 2022 campaign, but it appears he’ll be ready for the start of next season.