SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

49ers GM John Lynch On What Led To Trey Sermon’s Release

Sep 1, 2022, 3:48 PM

Trey Sermon #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars ...

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Trey Sermon #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 21, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. The 49ers defeated the Jaguars 30-10. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch detailed the decision to release Trey Sermon and keep rookie Jordan Mason to the media Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, the 49ers surprised everyone when they released the 2021 third-round pick. In his rookie year, Sermon rushed for 167 yards and one touchdown on 41 attempts. The presumed starter last season was beaten out by 2021 sixth-round pick Elijah Mitchell.

Initially, the team planned to keep Sermon and five running back on the roster, “as long as we could.” But, when the 49ers claimed Cleveland Browns tackle Blake Hance off waivers, that meant someone had to be dropped. Ultimately, Sermon was beaten out by undrafted rookie Jordan Mason for one of the last running back spots. During the preseason, Mason ran for 94 yards on 19 carries.

“The bottom line, J.P. Mason just played too well,” Lynch said. “And we felt like he made our team better. We got this kid out of Georgia Tech as a backup. And we couldn’t deny at the end of the day that he hadn’t earned a spot on the roster.”

Lynch went on to say Trey Sermon wasn’t ready to play “like we felt we needed him to last year.”

“To Trey’s credit, he was challenged. And he answered the bell in every way this year. And so really proud of Trey for that,” Lynch said.

Sermon was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Newsletter

San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a touchdown pass during the third quarter a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan raves about Brock Purdy as 49ers prepare for extension after 2024

The 49ers appear to be preparing for a massive Brock Purdy contract extension, something SF isn't shy about paying for the right guy.

19 hours ago

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball after a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan looking to get Brandon Aiyuk extension done ‘sooner than later’

Kyle Shanahan seemed optimistic about a long-term extension for Brandon Aiyuk, hoping to get pen to paper done as a soon as possible.

23 hours ago

Arik Armstead #91 looks on during San Francisco 49ers practice ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Fertitt...

Amiliano Fragoso

49ers GM John Lynch says Arik Armstead departure was a tough decision

John Lynch went through the Arik Armstead process with the media this week, explaining how happy he is that one of their own got a new deal.

1 day ago

Fans in Christmas costumes watch from the stands prior to the game between the Denver Broncos and t...

Amiliano Fragoso

NFL plans for Wednesday Christmas DoubleHeader in 2024

The NFL will reportedly have two games on Christmas Day, despite the holiday falling on a Wednesday, in 2024.

2 days ago

Denver Broncos punter Riley Dixon (9) kicks off on a drop kick kickoff after a safety in the first ...

Amiliano Fragoso

NFL approves hybrid kickoff method for 2024 season

The NFL is implementing a variety of league changes, including a new kickoff method, for the 2024 regular season.

2 days ago

General manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at...

Joseph Jarosz

John Lynch on offseason surgeries, Brandon Aiyuk rumors and more at NFL meeting

At the annual NFL owner's meeting, 49ers GM John Lynch spoke to media about extending Brandon Aiyuk, gave injury updates and more.

3 days ago

49ers GM John Lynch On What Led To Trey Sermon’s Release