49ers waive rookie after he refuses to sign IR paperwork over pay cut concerns, ahead of the 2nd preseason game

San Francisco’s preseason momentum was disrupted when an internal contract dispute surfaced just days before the team’s second exhibition game. What should have been a routine injury designation instead resulted in a swift parting of ways between a rookie and the front office.

The disagreement centered on the injured reserve (IR) designation — a standard NFL mechanism to protect roster spots and allow injured players to recover. In this case, the process came to a standstill when the rookie refused to sign the paperwork.

At the center of the situation was Stone Blanton, a linebacker from Mississippi State who started all 13 games in 2024, recording 125 tackles — his first season surpassing the 100-tackle mark — ranking tied for second in the SEC and ninth in the FBS.

General manager John Lynch addressed the matter directly: “If you won’t sign the IR papers, you’re telling me you’d rather risk your health for short-term pay — and that’s not the mentality that sustains success in San Francisco.”

Blanton’s standout college production and tackling instincts made him an intriguing addition to the 49ers’ linebacker room. However, an undisclosed injury during camp kept him off the field in the preseason opener and limited his ability to compete for a roster spot.

By refusing the IR designation, Blanton risked aggravating his injury while removing himself from consideration in a deep and competitive linebacker corps. The decision left San Francisco with little choice but to act before the roster deadline.

Fans were divided — some respected the rookie’s drive to compete immediately, while others saw the move as a gamble that prematurely ended his shot with one of the NFC’s top contenders.

On August 15, San Francisco officially waived Blanton, closing the chapter on his brief tenure with the 49ers before he could take his first snap in red and gold.