Full Breakdown
49ers Add Receiving Depth with One-Year Deals
8/1/2026, 12:22:44 AM
Core Moves
On Friday, the San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of tight end Josiah Deguara and wide receiver Trenton Irwin to one-year contracts. To create roster space, the club waived cornerback Derrick Canteen and waived/injured tight end Tanner McLachlan.
Player Backgrounds
- Josiah Deguara – A 6-ft-2, 240-lb former third-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2020, Deguara has appeared in 77 NFL games (12 starts) with 53 receptions for 471 yards and three touchdowns. He spent the 2025 season with the Arizona Cardinals, recording three catches for 21 yards and one touchdown.
- Trenton Irwin – A 6-ft-2, 204-lb undrafted free-agent who entered the league on May 9, 2019 with the Miami Dolphins, Irwin’s career has been defined by his six-year stint with the Cincinnati Bengals. He played in 41 regular-season games (nine starts), posting 46 receptions for 601 yards and five touchdowns, plus two postseason catches. After being waived by Cincinnati in December 2024, he spent brief periods with Jacksonville (June 2025) and the New York Jets practice squad beginning October 14, 2025.
Both players last appeared in a regular-season game in 2024, making the 49ers’ contracts opportunities to compete for roster spots during training camp.
Roster Implications
The waivers of Canteen—who had signed a Reserve/Future contract on January 20, 2026—and McLachlan clear two spots for the incoming receivers. The moves align with San Francisco’s broader effort to bolster pass-catching depth ahead of the preseason, a strategy described by team officials as “more receiving help”.
Impact and Outlook
Irwin and Deguara join a 49ers offense that has been actively adding veteran depth. While neither player is guaranteed a place on the 53-man roster, their experience could provide valuable competition at tight end and wide receiver positions. Their performance in the upcoming training camp will determine whether they secure active-roster roles or become practice-squad candidates as the season approaches.
