The San Francisco 49ers have made a late-night roster move, signing safety Patrick McMorris, a former sixth-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins, according to an announcement from his agency late Sunday evening. The signing comes as the team continues to shore up its defensive backfield depth ahead of the upcoming season, addressing a position that has drawn considerable scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
McMorris, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of California, Berkeley, brings a mix of collegiate production and limited professional experience to the 49ers’ roster. The 6-foot, 207-pound safety has yet to register an NFL tackle, but his journey through the league has included stints with multiple teams, offering a glimpse of his potential to contribute at the highest level.
The 49ers’ decision to add McMorris comes as the team navigates a crowded safety room, with many observers questioning how the organization would address the position after the draft. While the team signed undrafted free agent Strowman from Notre Dame, McMorris represents a more seasoned option, having spent time on practice squads and active rosters across the NFL.
McMorris began his collegiate career at San Diego State before transferring to Cal, where he played for the Bears in the Bay Area, a homecoming of sorts for the safety. His final college season showcased his abilities, as he recorded 50 solo tackles, 88 total tackles, one interception, and seven passes defended, demonstrating a knack for being around the ball and making plays in coverage.
Despite his collegiate success, McMorris’s athletic testing raised some eyebrows, with his 40-yard dash time of 4.53 seconds and below-average vertical and broad jump numbers falling in the seventh percentile or lower. Scouts have noted that his measurables are decent but unremarkable, suggesting that his value may lie more in his football IQ and instincts than in raw athleticism.
Scouting reports from his college days highlight McMorris’s strong awareness on the field, particularly his ability to track quarterbacks’ eyes and break on the ball with quickness and aggression. He was praised for his route recognition and strong hands in close coverage situations, traits that could translate well to the 49ers’ defensive scheme under coordinator Nick Sorensen.
However, McMorris’s game is not without flaws, as reports indicate he struggled at times in zone coverage, occasionally playing over-aggressive when coming downhill against the run. These inconsistencies may have contributed to his journey through multiple teams, but the 49ers are betting that his potential can be unlocked with proper coaching and system fit.
The signing marks the latest chapter in McMorris’s NFL odyssey, which began with the Miami Dolphins in 2024 before he was later signed by the Arizona Cardinals in 2025. He ended his season with the New York Giants, bouncing between practice squads and active rosters before becoming available for the 49ers to swoop in and add to their depth.
For the 49ers, this move is likely viewed as a low-risk, high-reward addition, as McMorris enters a competitive safety room that includes established veterans and younger players vying for roster spots. The team’s need for depth at the position has been a recurring theme, and McMorris offers a player with some NFL exposure, even if his on-field production has been minimal.
The timing of the signing, late on a Sunday night, suggests the 49ers were eager to secure McMorris’s services quickly, perhaps to fill a specific need or to beat out other interested teams. His agency’s announcement came as a surprise to many, but the move aligns with the 49ers’ history of scouring the waiver wire and free agent market for undervalued talent.
McMorris’s journey from a sixth-round pick to a journeyman safety reflects the harsh realities of the NFL, where roster spots are precious and opportunities can be fleeting. For the 49ers, his addition is a reminder that building a championship-caliber team often requires finding diamonds in the rough, players who may not have elite measurables but possess the intangibles to contribute.
The 49ers’ defensive backfield has been a point of emphasis this offseason, with the team looking to bolster its secondary after a season that saw both highs and lows. McMorris’s signing adds another layer to that effort, providing a player who can compete for a role on special teams or as a backup safety, depending on his performance in training camp.
Analysts have been quick to note that McMorris’s athletic profile is not particularly impressive, with his combine numbers falling below average in most categories. Yet, his college tape tells a different story, one of a player who consistently made plays and showed a high football IQ, traits that can sometimes outweigh physical limitations in the NFL.
The 49ers’ coaching staff will have the opportunity to work with McMorris during the offseason program, evaluating his ability to grasp the playbook and adapt to the team’s defensive schemes. His experience with multiple teams may have given him a broader perspective on the game, potentially accelerating his development in a new environment.
For fans, the signing may not generate the same excitement as a blockbuster trade or high-profile free agent acquisition, but it underscores the 49ers’ commitment to leaving no stone unturned in their quest for depth. The safety position has been a topic of debate, and McMorris’s arrival adds another name to the mix as the team prepares for the grind of the regular season.
McMorris’s college career at Cal saw him emerge as a leader on defense, earning recognition for his ability to read offenses and make plays in critical moments. His 88 total tackles in his final season were a testament to his durability and willingness to contribute in both run support and pass coverage, skills that the 49ers will look to harness.
The 49ers’ roster currently stands at 90 players, and McMorris’s signing may necessitate a corresponding move to free up a spot, such as the release of another player. This element of the transaction adds intrigue, as the team must balance its roster construction while ensuring compliance with league rules and salary cap constraints.
McMorris’s path to the 49ers has been anything but straightforward, with stops in Miami, Arizona, and New York before landing in the Bay Area. Each stop has provided him with valuable experience, from learning different defensive systems to adapting to the rigors of NFL life, all of which could serve him well in San Francisco.
The 49ers have a track record of developing defensive backs, and McMorris could benefit from the tutelage of a coaching staff that has maximized the potential of players with similar profiles. His ability to play both safety spots and contribute on special teams will be key factors in determining his chances of making the final roster.
For now, McMorris is expected to compete for a role as a depth safety, potentially serving as a backup to starters Talanoa Hufanga and Ji’Ayir Brown. The team’s defensive scheme values versatility and intelligence, traits that McMorris has demonstrated in the past, making him a logical fit for the system.
The signing also highlights the 49ers’ willingness to take chances on players with limited NFL experience, a strategy that has paid off in the past with players like Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. While McMorris may not have the same ceiling as those stars, his addition reflects the organization’s belief in finding value where others may overlook it.
McMorris’s agency’s announcement late on a Sunday evening suggests that the deal was finalized quickly, perhaps after the 49ers identified a need following a roster evaluation. The timing also indicates that the team is actively monitoring the free agent market, ready to pounce on opportunities as they arise.
The 49ers’ safety room now includes a mix of veterans and young players, with McMorris adding a layer of competition that could push everyone to elevate their game. Training camp will be the ultimate proving ground, where McMorris will have the chance to showcase his skills and earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Scouts have noted that McMorris’s man coverage skills were a strength in college, allowing him to stick with receivers and tight ends in one-on-one situations. However, his struggles in zone coverage could be a concern, as the 49ers’ defense often relies on zone principles to confuse quarterbacks and create turnovers.
The 49ers’ coaching staff will likely work with McMorris to refine his zone coverage technique, helping him to read routes more effectively and avoid the over-aggressiveness that plagued him at times. If he can make those adjustments, he could become a valuable asset in the team’s defensive rotation.
McMorris’s signing also has implications for the 49ers’ special teams units, where his tackling ability and awareness could make him a contributor. Special teams coordinator Brian Schneider will have the opportunity to evaluate McMorris’s skills in that phase, potentially carving out a role for him on coverage teams.
The 49ers’ decision to add McMorris comes at a time when the team is finalizing its roster ahead of the season, with training camp just weeks away. Every signing at this stage of the offseason is critical, as teams look to build depth and identify players who can step in if injuries strike during the grueling campaign.
For McMorris, this signing represents another chance to prove himself in the NFL, a league where opportunities can be scarce for players who have bounced around. The 49ers are giving him a platform to showcase his abilities, and it will be up to him to seize the moment and make the most of his latest opportunity.
The 49ers’ fan base has been vocal about the team’s need for safety depth, and McMorris’s addition may be seen as a step in the right direction, even if it is not a headline-grabbing move. The team’s front office has consistently emphasized the importance of building a deep roster, and this signing aligns with that philosophy.
McMorris’s college tape reveals a player who was not afraid to come downhill and make tackles, a trait that could endear him to the 49ers’ coaching staff. His aggression in run support was a hallmark of his game, but it also led to occasional missed assignments, a balance he will need to strike in the NFL.
The 49ers’ defensive backs coach will have his work cut out for him in developing McMorris, but the raw materials are there for a player who could carve out a niche in the league. With the right coaching and a bit of luck, McMorris could become a reliable depth piece for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
The signing also raises questions about the 49ers’ plans for other safeties on the roster, including undrafted free agents and veterans competing for spots. McMorris’s arrival adds another layer of competition, ensuring that no one can rest on their laurels as the team prepares for the season.
McMorris’s journey through the NFL has been a testament to his resilience, as he has faced the uncertainty of roster cuts and practice squad assignments with determination. The 49ers are betting that his perseverance will translate into on-field success, a gamble that could pay off if he seizes his opportunity.
The 49ers’ late-night signing of McMorris is a reminder that the NFL offseason is a 24/7 operation, with teams constantly evaluating talent and making moves to improve their rosters. For McMorris, the call from the 49ers was a lifeline, a chance to continue his dream of playing in the league.
As the 49ers prepare for the upcoming season, McMorris will have the chance to prove that he belongs, competing against a talented group of safeties for a coveted roster spot. His story is one of perseverance, and the 49ers are hoping that his best football is still ahead of him.
The 49ers’ fan base will be watching closely as McMorris takes the field in training camp, eager to see if he can translate his college production to the NFL level. The signing may not make headlines, but it could prove to be a shrewd move if McMorris develops into a contributor.
McMorris’s addition to the 49ers’ roster is a low-risk move with the potential for a high reward, a classic example of a team finding value in a player who has been overlooked. The 49ers have a history of making such moves work, and McMorris could be the next in a long line of success stories.
The 49ers’ safety room is now deeper than it was before the signing, giving the team more options as it navigates the challenges of a long season. McMorris’s versatility and experience could prove invaluable, especially if injuries strike the secondary at any point during the campaign.
For McMorris, the opportunity to play for the 49ers, a team with a rich history and a passionate fan base, is a dream come true. He will have the chance to compete for a role on a team that is poised to make a deep playoff run, a stage that could elevate his career to new heights.
The 49ers’ signing of Patrick McMorris is a testament to the team’s commitment to building a complete roster, one that leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of excellence. As the offseason continues, McMorris will have the chance to prove that he belongs, and the 49ers are betting that he will rise to the occasion.
A former Dolphins pick brings versatility and competition.
