49ers Veteran Offensive Tackle Arrested Hours After Team Release
San Francisco, CA — The San Francisco 49ers confirmed early Tuesday morning that a recently released veteran offensive lineman was arrested in downtown San Jose late Monday night, just hours after being informed of his release from the team.
According to police reports, the player was taken into custody on multiple charges, including driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. The incident reportedly occurred near a bar shortly after midnight, where witnesses say the man had been drinking heavily before getting behind the wheel.
Authorities stated that when approached by officers, he became verbally aggressive and refused to comply with commands, prompting his arrest. The incident came only hours after the player had received notice of his termination from the team — a decision that, according to sources, had deeply affected him.
The lineman, later identified as Brandon Parker, had signed with San Francisco earlier this season to provide veteran depth and leadership on the offensive line. A former starter with the Raiders, Parker had spent much of the past two seasons battling injuries and was part of the 49ers’ practice squad rotation before his release on October 28.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation during Tuesday’s media availability, saying:
“It’s a tough situation. He’s always been a respected guy here — hardworking, dependable, and well-liked by everyone in this building. When we heard the news, our first step was to make sure he’s safe and getting the help he needs. We’re not here to judge him — we’re here to help him find his way back. Once a Niner, always part of our family.”
The 49ers organization later issued a statement through Shanahan, reaffirming their support for the veteran:
“The organization has reached out privately to provide both legal and emotional assistance, ensuring he receives the proper guidance moving forward.”
Sources within the team said the incident is being handled internally with empathy and discretion. Team leaders emphasized that while accountability is important, the focus remains on helping a longtime professional through one of the most difficult moments of his career.
49ers Rookie Mykel Williams Asks for Signing Bonus Reduction to Help Team Sign Replacement
San Francisco, CA – Just hours after completing surgery on his torn ACL and being officially ruled out for the remainder of the season,
According to team sources, Williams personally contacted general manager John Lynch on Tuesday morning to
“He said he didn’t want the team to suffer financially just because of what happened to him,” Lynch revealed in an emotional statement. “It’s the kind of thing you can’t teach, it comes from character. I told him that even though he can’t be on the field, he just showed what it means to be a 49er.”
Williams’ unexpected gesture reportedly stunned team officials and even prompted head coach Kyle Shanahan to gather the locker room on Tuesday to share the story. Several veteran players described the moment as “inspiring,” with one saying, “That’s a rookie showing leadership most guys don’t find in ten years.”
While the NFL’s salary cap structure makes direct adjustments of guaranteed bonuses rare, Lynch worked with the front office to restructure Williams’ payment schedule, effectively deferring part of the bonus into later years. This move freed just enough cap space for the 49ers to pursue an emergency depth signing at defensive end, a position now ravaged by injuries.
Williams, who signed a four-year, $24.94 million fully guaranteed deal as the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, made it clear his motivation wasn’t about money:
“I didn’t sign here just to get paid, I signed to be part of something bigger. If taking less helps the team, then that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.”
John Lynch later summarized the moment with a statement that perfectly captured the 49ers’ culture:
“We always talk about the standard, about putting the team first. What Mykel did wasn’t just about football. It was about family, sacrifice, and legacy. Every 49ers fan should be proud of this kid.”
The gesture has since gone viral among fans, with social media flooded by praise and admiration. Many dubbed Williams “the heart of the 49ers,” proving that sometimes, the biggest plays don’t happen on the field — they happen off it.
Shortly after Williams’ decision, the 49ers began negotiations with the New York Jets to bring 3× Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to San Francisco, using the newly freed cap space as leverage in talks. The move, sources say, could solidify one of the strongest defensive fronts in the NFL — and serve as a powerful reminder that true leadership can inspire change far beyond the field.
