49ers Quietly Sign Ex-Jets Star After Rough Year

 

 

BREAKING NEWS: 49ers Sign Wide Receiver Robbie Chosen, Release Marquez Callaway in Strategic Roster Shakeup

Santa Clara, CA – August 3, 2025

In a move that has generated considerable buzz across the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers have announced the signing of veteran wide receiver Robbie Chosen, while simultaneously releasing fellow wideout Marquez Callaway. The surprising development comes just weeks before the start of the 2025 NFL regular season and signals a significant shift in the 49ers’ wide receiver depth chart as the franchise continues to fine-tune its roster ahead of a Super Bowl push.

 

A Calculated Decision by Lynch and Shanahan

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan made the announcement on Sunday morning, indicating that the team was seeking more speed, explosiveness, and veteran savvy at the wide receiver position. The acquisition of Chosen—who has bounced between teams in recent seasons but still boasts blazing speed and big-play ability—appears to be a tactical decision to inject versatility into the receiving corps.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our roster,” Lynch stated. “Robbie brings a unique skill set that we believe fits well with what we want to do offensively. He’s a proven deep threat and has shown he can compete at the highest level.”

Shanahan echoed those sentiments, emphasizing Chosen’s ability to stretch the field and create separation.

“We love what Robbie can do in space. He gives us another weapon—someone defenses have to respect on every snap,” Shanahan said during Sunday’s press conference.

Who Is Robbie Chosen?

Formerly known as Robby Anderson, Chosen legally changed his name in 2023 and has since become somewhat of a journeyman in the NFL. Despite moving between the Jets, Panthers, Cardinals, and Dolphins over the last few seasons, Chosen has remained a legitimate deep-threat option, best known for his straight-line speed and ability to take the top off opposing defenses.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound wide receiver entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Temple in 2016 and quickly made a name for himself with the New York Jets. His breakout season came in 2017, when he racked up 941 yards and 7 touchdowns. He later posted a career-high 95 catches for 1,096 yards with the Carolina Panthers in 2020.

Though his production has dipped in recent years, scouts and analysts believe that Chosen still has plenty left in the tank, particularly in a scheme like Shanahan’s that thrives on play-action and misdirection.

“Robbie Chosen may not be in his prime, but his speed is still elite,” said former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah. “In an offense that includes Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, Robbie could become an X-factor simply by forcing safeties to play deeper.”

 

The End of the Road for Marquez Callaway in San Francisco

On the flip side of this transaction is Marquez Callaway, who now finds himself without a team following his release. The former New Orleans Saints standout was signed by the 49ers earlier this offseason in hopes that he could carve out a role as a dependable WR4 or WR5 option. However, his training camp performance reportedly left much to be desired.

Insiders close to the team mentioned that Callaway struggled with drops during practices and had difficulty separating from defenders in one-on-one drills. While he brings solid size (6-foot-2) and decent experience, the coaching staff ultimately decided that Chosen offered more immediate upside, particularly in vertical passing situations.

“Marquez is a hardworking player and we appreciate everything he gave us during his time here,” said Shanahan. “But the NFL is a competitive business. We had to make a tough call based on the direction we want to go.”

Callaway, 26, has shown flashes of potential throughout his career. During the 2021 season with the Saints, he led the team in receiving yards (698) and touchdowns (6). Unfortunately, since then, his production has declined, and he has struggled to find a stable role.

Though cut from the 49ers’ 90-man roster, Callaway is still eligible to sign with another team before the season begins. Given his prior success and relatively young age, it’s likely that he’ll receive interest from wide receiver-needy franchises.

 

Strategic Implications for the 49ers

This move is not just a swap of two names—it carries deeper implications for how the 49ers are envisioning their offensive structure heading into 2025. The team already boasts a dynamic group of skill players, including:

• Deebo Samuel – versatile WR who excels on jet sweeps and yards after catch
• Brandon Aiyuk – polished route runner entering his prime
• Jauan Jennings – physical possession receiver and clutch third-down target
• George Kittle – elite tight end and emotional leader
• Christian McCaffrey – arguably the best all-purpose running back in football

 

Adding Robbie Chosen into the mix gives quarterback Brock Purdy another vertical option, potentially opening up more space underneath for Samuel, Aiyuk, and Kittle. Shanahan’s offense is known for creative play-calling and layered route trees, and Chosen’s presence allows for more varied formations, including four-wide sets and more aggressive play-action attacks.

“If Chosen can stretch the field, it forces defenses to respect the deep ball. That opens up the middle for Kittle and the flats for CMC,” said NFL analyst Mina Kimes. “It’s a domino effect.”

Training Camp Takeaways: Chosen Impresses Early

While it’s early days for Chosen in red and gold, early reports from training camp are already promising. In his first practice on Sunday afternoon, Chosen caught several passes during 7-on-7 drills, including a 45-yard bomb from Purdy that drew loud cheers from the crowd. Observers noted that he appeared quick out of his breaks and still possesses that signature burst that once made him a thousand-yard receiver.

Fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk offered high praise following the session:

“You can tell he’s been around the league. Robbie came in and instantly brought energy. He can fly, man. It’s going to be fun working alongside him.”

Depth Chart Outlook: Battle for WR Spots Heats Up

With Chosen in and Callaway out, the competition for the final wide receiver spots behind the top three (Samuel, Aiyuk, Jennings) becomes even fiercer. Other names fighting for a spot include:

• Danny Gray – a 2022 third-round pick known for speed
• Chris Conley – veteran presence and strong special teams contributor
• Ronnie Bell – second-year player showing flashes in camp
• Tay Martin – dark horse candidate who has impressed in preseason

Robbie Chosen’s arrival may bump one of those names off the final 53-man roster, adding pressure as preseason games begin.

What This Means for the 49ers’ 2025 Campaign

As the 49ers look to return to the Super Bowl and finish the job they couldn’t in recent seasons, every move is scrutinized. Signing Chosen and cutting Callaway may seem minor in the grand scheme, but it’s these marginal decisions that often determine championship rosters.

In a hyper-competitive NFC that includes teams like the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco can’t afford to be conservative. Shanahan and Lynch continue to show that they’re willing to adjust on the fly, and bringing in a high-upside speedster like Robbie Chosen is a testament to that mindset.

Only time will tell how significant this roster move proves to be—but for now, the 49ers are moving full speed ahead.