When the San Francisco 49ers claimed defensive back Tre Avery off waivers from the Tennessee Titans in late December of 2024, general manager John Lynch had no clue his team would ultimately draft a starting-hopeful defensive back, Upton Stout, in Round 3 the following April.
Avery, who made his way into the NFL as a Titans undrafted free-agent pickup out of Rutgers in 2022, is the epitome of a nickel back: 5-foot-11 and 181 pounds, and the Niners haven't had a true nickel corner since the days of K'Waun Williams earlier in Lynch's tenure.
Of course, Avery also predated San Francisco's sweeping changes to the roster that preceded the arrivals of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer.
So, understandably, those two coaches will have influence on what kind of role Avery plays in the immediate future.
It's likely one that'll include mentoring Stout.
Tre Avery is likely Upton Stout's 1st NFL-level mentor
Having Avery on the roster is a bonus for the 49ers. Despite being a fringe player already, the 28 year old boasts plenty of experience, appearing in 38 games (starting five of them) and seeing an array of snaps on both defense and special teams dating back to his rookie season.
Stout, understandably, is the player the Niners want to seize the starting slot-corner job, and the rookie has the benefit of essentially being a hand-picked grab by Saleh, whereas Avery was an inherited name.
Should Stout not be ready for action right away, though, at least Avery is waiting in the folds as a possible contingency plan.
That plan remains shaky, though, especially considering San Francisco can get out from under the veteran's contract of $1.1 million with zero in dead money, according to Over the Cap.
But Avery can solidify a role for himself even if Stout ascends to the starting job, particularly if the former shows enough prowess on special teams to convince Boyer of a roster spot heading into the regular season.
However, providing guidance to Stout might be Avery's biggest purpose between now and Week 1.
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