The NFL can be a cruel league. Players are waived, released, or cut based on a numbers crunch, injuries, or in the search for an upgrade. Sometimes players can spend time on a practice squad waiting for a chance that doesn’t come, and move on to greener pastures or another opportunity. Whatever the reason may be, each week you’re sure to see some familiar faces and names on opposing sidelines on Sunday.
This Sunday will be no different as the Tennessee Titans travel to face the San Francisco 49ers. Five former 49ers will be in uniform, facing their former team. Each player’s time with the 49ers varies, but they are former 49ers, nonetheless.
Let’s look at who returns on Sunday.
Allen started one game in 2024 for the 49ers in Green Bay while Brock Purdy dealt with an injury. The result ended in a loss, and Allen finished with a line of 17/29, 199 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The former Bronco and Bengal threw one more pass in 2024 in mop-up duty during Week 14 against Chicago. These days, Allen spends his days backing up rookie Cam Ward, but Allen was a favorite of Kyle Shanahan during his time as a 49er.
Yes, Moss never took a snap as a 49er, but he was signed as an UDFA out of Colorado State. Unfortunately, Moss didn’t get a chance to contribute, even after making the 53-man roster. The 49ers waived the lineman on October 29th, and the Titans claimed him the next day. Fun fact: Moss is in a relationship with Mya Lesnar, whose father is former Minnesota Viking and WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar.
The 49ers added Joseph-Day in 2023 during their Super Bowl run after a year-and-a-half stint with the Chargers. Three of his games were in the playoffs, including the Super Bowl, where he totaled three tackles. As a 49er, Joseph-Day finished with eight tackles; five coming in the season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. As a full-time player, Joseph-Day ranks 26th out of 128 DIs with a defensive grade of 70.6. With 13 pressures, ten hurries, two QB hits, and a sack, the former 49er is putting together a solid season for Tennessee.
In 2021, Key set a career-high in sacks with eight as a 49er. He also posted a career-high pass-rushing grade of 75.4. The former Raider signed back-to-back one-year deals with the 49ers and Jaguars before parlaying his big season into a lucrative three-year deal with the Titans. While Key was the subject of trade deadline rumors to return to the 49ers, he remained with Tennessee. Last week, he racked up nine pressures, seven hurries, and two QB hits against Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns.
Last but not least, there is kicker Joey Slye. In 2021, with Robbie Gould dealing with an injury, Slye stepped in and went seven of eight on field goals and two of four on XP’s. Once let go, Slye moved on to Washington, the third team he suited up for in 2021, along with Houston. Slye spent two more seasons in Washington and landed in New England for a season before Tennessee signed him for 2025.