The San Francisco 49ers made a series of unexpected roster moves on Tuesday, headlined by the release of kicker Matt Gay from the practice squad just two weeks after he delivered a flawless performance as the team’s emergency option. The 49ers also cut quarterback Adrian Martinez from the taxi squad and added wide receiver Javon Baker, marking yet another round of adjustments as the team prepares for the most demanding portion of the NFC West race.

For Gay, the transaction ends what was arguably one of the more efficient short-term stints by any kicker this season. Signed after Eddy Pineiro went down with a hamstring strain, the 31-year-old veteran stepped into a critical role during a stretch where San Francisco could not afford instability in the kicking game. Gay delivered exactly what the team needed: 4-for-4 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points, helping the 49ers secure a pair of victories during a crucial playoff push.

The release, however, was not a reflection of performance. Gay began the year with Washington, where inconsistency — 13-of-19 on field goals — led to his departure after Week 10. But in San Francisco, he was perfect, making his removal from the roster all the more surprising to fans. Internally, though, this was simply a matter of timing. Pineiro, who has been one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL this season, is healthy again and expected to reclaim his starting job immediately.

Pineiro’s path back to relevance has been one of the more intriguing journeys of the 49ers’ 2025 season. Unattached entering Week 1, he was signed after Jake Moody struggled early, culminating in a 1-for-3 performance against Seattle. San Francisco made the bold decision to part ways with Moody and commit to Pineiro — a move that has paid off exceptionally well. Despite a shaky 18-of-22 mark on extra points, Pineiro is 22-for-22 on field goals, including six makes from 50+ yards, showcasing elite range and reliability.

With the 49ers sitting at 9-4 and chasing the 10-3 Seahawks and Rams, Pineiro’s return could prove pivotal in a division where the margins are razor-thin and field goals often decide January contenders.

The team’s second notable release, quarterback Adrian Martinez, also reflects shifting roster needs rather than dissatisfaction. Martinez briefly appeared on the active roster earlier this year when Brock Purdy was sidelined with a toe injury. With Purdy fully healthy, Mac Jones entrenched as the backup, and rookie Kurtis Rourke’s practice window officially open, the 49ers no longer required Martinez’s presence on the practice squad.

Martinez saw action in one game this season and provided valuable insurance during Purdy’s absence, but the team’s quarterback room is now fully stocked for the stretch run.

The addition of wide receiver Javon Baker signals another depth-focused move. A 2024 fourth-round pick by the Patriots, Baker entered the league with promising traits — strong hands, competitive jump-ball ability, and proven production at both Alabama and UCF. However, his NFL career has yet to take off. He recorded just one catch in 11 games as a rookie and failed to make New England’s roster this year. After a brief stint with the Eagles’ practice squad, he became available again in October.

For the 49ers, Baker represents both potential depth and a developmental project. With Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall entrenched behind the starters and Brandon Aiyuk’s uncertain future still looming over the franchise, adding a young receiver with upside is a sensible move.

Ultimately, the headline of the day remains Gay’s release — a move that feels abrupt given his perfect showing but fits squarely within the 49ers’ long-term roster strategy. With Pineiro ready to return, San Francisco opted for stability rather than redundancy, trusting the hot hand they invested in earlier this season.

As the 49ers prepare for a tight three-team battle atop the NFC West, every roster spot matters. Tuesday’s transactions reinforced a theme that has defined Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch’s tenure: performance is valued, but timing, health, and long-term planning dictate the team’s decisions as they position themselves for another deep postseason run.

If Pineiro continues his flawless campaign, Gay’s brief stop in San Francisco may be remembered not as an ending, but as a perfectly executed bridge — one that kept the 49ers steady until their starter was ready to return.