The San Francisco 49ers made a minor but strategic roster move on Wednesday, reinforcing quarterback depth as the 2025 season progresses.
According to the NFL transaction wire, the San Francisco 49ers signed quarterback Adrian Martinez to their practice squad, bringing back a familiar option who already knows the system and the locker room.
Martinez’s return comes after a brief departure earlier this month.
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He had been released by the 49ers on December 9, 2025, following a series of roster adjustments tied to injuries and practice squad activations.
Shortly afterward, Martinez joined the New York Jets’ practice squad, but his stint there lasted less than a week.
The Jets released him on Tuesday, opening the door for San Francisco to bring him back.
This marks yet another chapter in what has become a revolving-door season for Martinez with the 49ers.
He originally signed with San Francisco’s practice squad in late August following final roster cuts, after previously spending time with the Jets organization.
His familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense made him a reliable depth option early in the year.
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Martinez was promoted to the active roster in early October to serve as Mac Jones’ backup while starting quarterback Brock Purdy worked his way back from a lingering turf toe injury.
When Purdy aggravated the injury in Week 4, Martinez remained on the active roster and spent the next six weeks as Jones’ primary backup.
During that stretch, his value was less about game-day snaps and more about stability in the quarterback room.
Once Purdy returned to action in Week 11, the 49ers released Martinez but quickly re-signed him to the practice squad.
He was later let go again when rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke’s practice window was opened on December 8, forcing San Francisco to juggle limited roster spots.
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With Rourke still not activated, Martinez’s return could be telling.
The 49ers have until December 29 to activate Rourke, and re-signing Martinez suggests the team wants experienced insurance at the third quarterback spot in the meantime.
Martinez provides immediate emergency depth if either Purdy or Jones were to miss time late in the season.
While he remains a developmental quarterback, his comfort within the 49ers’ system makes him a practical and low-risk addition.
Martinez entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2023 after a college career split between Nebraska and Kansas State.
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Ultimately, bringing Martinez back before another team could claim him was likely the safest course of action.
As the 49ers push toward the postseason, familiarity and readiness matter, and Martinez checks both boxes.