The San Francisco 49ers made a series of roster moves on Monday, and one of the players directly impacted by the transactions was a former fifth-round pick by the Detroit Lions.
While others around the league who have been handed their walking papers this early in training camp have lost their spots due to injury or lack of production, the former Lions wideout seems to have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
That led to his stay in the Bay Area lasting less than a week. Now, the wideout needs to do his best to find another job within the league after training camps have opened.
Former Lions WR Quintez Cephus Cut After Just 4 Days With 49ers
Former Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus has been released by the 49ers after just 4 days with the franchise. As noted by David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard, Cephus's release had more to do with recent first-round pick Ricky Pearsall being able to return from injury than anything he did, or didn't do, during his brief stay in the Bay Area.
49ers release Quintez Cephus to make room for Eli Apple. With the activation of Ricky Pearsall from PUP, SF no longer needed that extra body at WR
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) July 28, 2025
After the Lions had selected him in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft with a pick that came to Detroit as a result of the trade that sent Darius Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles, the idea was that Cephus could develop into a contributor down the line. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case as the former Wisconsin Badgers standout reeled in 37 receptions for 568 yards and four touchdowns in just 22 games for Detroit.
Cephus played three seasons in Motor City before being released by the franchise following the discovery that the wideout had broken the league's policy on gambling. He was suspended indefinitely over the investigation's findings. While injuries hampered what Cephus was able to accomplish in Detroit over his last two seasons with the Lions, it was the gambling suspension that ultimately ended his time with the organization.
Despite not seeing the field for a regular-season game since the 2022 season with Detroit, Cephus found a home on the practice squad of the Los Angeles Rams last season as he works to repair his reputation around the league.
While that second chance at a successful NFL career won't happen for Cephus in San Francisco, he seems to be determined to keep fighting for his spot in the league. Where he ends up next, however, is anyone's guess.