49ers’ Third-Round Running Back Struggles Continue as Tyrion Davis-Price Is Waived

49ers’ Third-Round Running Back Struggles Continue as Tyrion Davis-Price Is Waived

The San Francisco 49ers have experienced repeated struggles when drafting running backs—particularly in the third round. The latest chapter in this trend unfolded as former third-round pick Tyrion Davis-Price was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles.

A Pattern of Misses at Running Back

• In the 2021 NFL Draft, San Francisco traded up to select Trey Sermon in the third round.
• As a rookie, he appeared in nine games, starting two.
• Rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown on 4.1 yards per carry.
• Waived after just one season.
• Sermon landed briefly with the Eagles before joining the Indianapolis Colts, where he’s spent the last two seasons.
• The following year, in the 2022 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected Tyrion Davis-Price at No. 93 overall.
• Over two seasons with San Francisco, he rushed for just 120 total yards at 3.0 yards per carry.
• Waived after the 2023 season.
• Davis-Price joined the Eagles' practice squad in 2024, was elevated for one game (3 carries, 7 yards), and signed a reserve/future contract.
• On Sunday, the Eagles waived Davis-Price to make room for undrafted WR Giles Jackson.

49ers’ RB Draft History Under Kyle Shanahan & John Lynch

• 2017: Drafted Joe Williams in the 4th round — a notable miss.
• 2021: Missed on Trey Sermon in the 3rd round.
• Found success with Elijah Mitchell in the 6th round.
• 2022: Missed again with Tyrion Davis-Price in the 3rd round.
• 2023: Did not draft a running back.
• 2024: Traded up for Isaac Guerendo in the 4th round.
• Guerendo produced 420 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 152 receiving yards as a rookie.
• 2025 NFL Draft: Selected Jordan James (Oregon) in the 5th round.
• Expected to compete for RB3 behind Christian McCaffrey and Isaac Guerendo.
• Patrick Taylor Jr. will also battle for a roster spot.

With multiple running backs drafted early and cut within a season or two, the 49ers’ evaluation at the position remains under scrutiny. As Davis-Price seeks his third NFL team in four years, the pattern raises questions about San Francisco’s approach to building backfield depth.

For now, fans are hoping Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo can break the trend—and stay out of the Eagles' pipeline.