49ers Sign Kicker Matt Gay, Release Wide Receiver from Practice Squad
The San Francisco 49ers have made a strategic roster move by signing kicker Matt Gay to their practice squad while releasing wide receiver Russell Gage Jr. from the same squad.
Matt Gay’s Career Overview
Matt Gay, a 31-year-old from Orem, Utah, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his seven-year career, Gay has played for multiple teams:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019)
- Los Angeles Rams (2020-2022)
- Indianapolis Colts (2023-2024)
- Washington Commanders (2025)
In total, he has participated in 100 NFL games, achieving a field goal conversion rate of 84.0% by making 178 out of 212 attempts. Additionally, he has successfully converted 228 of his 236 extra point attempts, which represents a 96.6% success rate.
2025 Season Performance
During the current 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, Gay has played in 10 games. His performance includes:
- 13 successful field goals out of 19 attempts (68.4% conversion rate)
- Successful conversion of all 22 extra point attempts
College Career
Before his professional career, Gay played college football at the University of Utah from 2017 to 2018. During his two seasons, he appeared in 27 games and achieved the following:
- Made 56 of 65 field goal attempts (86.2% accuracy)
- Converted all 85 extra point attempts
Russell Gage Jr.’s Departure
Wide receiver Russell Gage Jr. has been released from the 49ers’ practice squad. He initially joined the practice squad on September 3, 2025. Gage has been a valuable player, but the team’s recent signed kicker requires roster adjustments.
This move illustrates the 49ers’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their team as they navigate the current season. The addition of Gay may enhance their kicking game moving forward.
