Drake Jackson recently vowed to silence his critics in 2025. If that happens, it won't be in a San Francisco 49ers uniform. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team is waiving the former second-round pick—their top selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. He will become a free agent.
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"49ers are waiving former second-round pick Drake Jackson with a failed physical designation, per source," Schefter wrote on social media. "Jackson is still rehabbing a knee injury but is expected to be cleared by the start of training camp."
49ers are waiving former second-round pick Drake Jackson with a failed physical designation, per source. Jackson is still rehabbing a knee injury but is expected to be cleared by the start of training camp. pic.twitter.com/oLa13YMxSm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 9, 2025
Jackson was entering the final year of his rookie contract and carried a $1.9 million cap hit in 2025. Over 23 career appearances, the defensive lineman recorded just six sacks. With his departure, none of the 49ers' top draft picks from 2020 to 2022—Jackson, quarterback Trey Lance, and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw—remain on the roster.
Jackson struggled to meet expectations after being drafted. He last appeared in a game during the 2023 season, playing in eight contests before landing on injured reserve. He then spent the entire 2024 season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list following the previous year's knee surgery.
In February, general manager John Lynch spoke candidly about Jackson's recovery.
"It's been a tough injury ... those quad tendon repairs," Lynch explained. "And that's why you've got to really think long and hard before you have that [surgery] because it doesn't just make it go away. ... I guess Drake has had—not setbacks—but just trouble coming back from it.
"So, it's not been the most encouraging thing. Hopefully, it takes a turn for the positive because we've seen, Drake, when he's healthy, he can be a real effective player for us."