One of the things that makes the NFL great is the unexpected stories that unfold. Take Brock Purdy's situation with the San Francisco 49ers, for example. Purdy was Mr. Irrelevant and started as the third-string quarterback. Now, he's the starter and just cashed in on a new five-year contract worth $265 million.
That said, the most exciting success stories happen when an undrafted player is able to work his way up the roster and see snaps. In 2017, Detroit Lions fans witnessed this with San Diego State defensive end Alex Barrett. Barrett spent 2017 and 2018 with the Lions, playing in two games and recording one tackle.
Barrett has spent the last five seasons with the 49ers, seeing minimal game reps and spending most of his time on the practice squad. Unfortunately, on Monday, Barrett's time in San Francisco came to an end after the team cut him to make room for veteran kicker Greg Joseph.
Former Lions Undrafted Defensive End Alex Barrett Cut by 49ers
After leaving Detroit, Barrett made two stops before landing in San Francisco. His first stop was in the Alliance of American Football League, playing for the San Diego Fleet. With the Fleet, Barrett recorded 15 tackles and two sacks in eight games before the league shut down.
Following the league's shutdown, he signed with the Oakland Raiders but was cut before the 2019 season.
During his five years in San Francisco, the 31-year-old played in ten games and recorded ten tackles. Typically, players in Barrett's position are career practice-squad players, so the fact that he was able to get on the field for what was a year-over-year Super Bowl contender until last season is an accomplishment.
At this point, Barrett is unlikely to find a team's practice squad to land on for the 2025 season. Given his age, teams would rather take chances on younger players than a 31-year-old. Nevertheless, Barrett's ability to last in the NFL after being a Lions undrafted signing is an amazing story.