In a surprise twist to a recent story, the San Francisco 49ers have released VFL Marquez Callaway. The report comes from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday afternoon.
San Francisco signed Callaway to a one-year contract on Thursday. The move on Sunday was made to sign veteran wide receiver Robbie Chosen at the position instead. Chosen had a prior relationship with the team after spending some time in the Niners’ training camp last year.
49ers signed WR Robbie Chosen and released WR Marquez Callaway.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 3, 2025
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When Callaway signed with San Fran last week, it was exciting news to Tennessee fans because he was teaming up with fellow VFL Jauan Jennings. Callaway’s tenure appears to be short-lived, though.
After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, Callaway signed with the New Orleans Saints. He played in 42 total games with the Saints from 2020 to 2022, racking up 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns on 83 receptions. He became a free agent in spring 2023.
Callaway then signed with the Denver Broncos but was waived before the 2023 season. He then signed with the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad just one day later, but was released just a few months later in October.
Since then, Callaway has spent short stints with the Saints, Steelers, and Buccaneers before joining the 49ers on July 31. He hasn’t recorded any in-game statistics since his final season with the Saints (first stint) in 2022.
Prior to his time in the NFL, Callaway played four seasons at Tennessee under Butch Jones and Jeremy Pruitt from 2016 to 2019. He only played in one game as a freshman, but tallied 10 or more appearances in each of his final three seasons on Rocky Top.
Over the course of his four years with the Vols, Callaway played in 35 games, recording 1,646 yards and 13 touchdowns on 92 receptions.
